Launch of our statue project.

Saturday saw the public launch of our statue project which was held in Pembroke Town Hall to a large audience. Following the success of the Henry Tudor and William Marshal statues, we are keen to continue the idea of a statue/arts trail with the addition of a group of statues to celebrate the role of women in our history: three women, with Pembroke connections, who have played a great part in our nation's story. They are Princess Nest, Isabel de Clare and Margaret Beaufort - it is rare for women to be celebrated in statues, so we need to put that right! We are working again with sculptor Harriet Addyman who has already done us proud with Henry and William. She has already done much research on the design of the costumes which are as historically accurate as possible. These were modelled at the event by Louise, Florence and Derryn, who is a professional dressmaker and responsible to the making of the lovely dresses. The site we are looking at for the placing of the statues is the footpath which takes you from the Commons up to the Parade. It will form the end of a circular trail beginning at the Castle, then following a route to the Town Hall, Clock Tower, Church, Millpond, Mill Bridge, along the base of the Castle, Commons and back to the town via Willings Passage. We have a way to go but we have made a start. As with previous projects, we are always open to ideas and input.

3 Ladies of Pembroke

We continue our 2025/26 Programme of events with a meeting on Saturday morning, November 8th in which we will be launching our new statue project - a project which will celebrate the important role women played in our history. So little attention is given to the vital contribution of women and so few statues are erected to them. We want to put this right and aim to celebrate the Lives and Legacy of 3 women connected with Pembroke. The ladies we have chosen are Princess Nest, Isabel de Clare and Margaret Beaufort whose lives span the Middle Ages from the Norman invasion of Pembroke to the founding of the Tudor Dynasty. So come along to our meeting where a presentation will be made by sculptor Harriet Addyman who has done us proud with the statues of Henry VII and William Marshal. We need your support and welcome any contribution you may wish to make. These statues would form a vital part of our proposed statue/arts trail, which will also be discussed at the meeting.

Coffee Morning and Talk - October 4th

The first coffee morning and talk in our new 2025/26 Programme went off to a great start with a talk by popular local historian Gareth Mills on the History of Orielton and the Owen Family. He spoke to a large audience in Pembroke Town Hall – it was a very enjoyable morning indeed. Orielton first came into the possession of the Owen family through the marriage of Hugh Owen to Elizabeth Wyrriott in 1571. The Owens of Orielton played a prominent part in the history of Pembroke for three centuries: they were sheriffs of Pembrokeshire, Members of Parliament and Mayors of Pembroke. The grandson of Elizabeth and Hugh, also named Hugh represented Pembroke in Parliament through the years leading up to the Civil War, and was made a baronet in 1641: this tradition carried on through the generations. His grandson Arthur famously rode to London in 1702 to give the casting vote for the Act of Settlement, which secured the Hanoverian succession. Despite the motto on the Family Coat of Arms “Honesty is the best policy”, tales of bribery and election rigging in fiercely fought elections abound. The direct line died out in 1804 and the estate was willed to John Lord, who changed his name to Owen. It was due to the vast sums of money he spent on rigging elections to pursue his political influence that finally led to bankruptcy and the sale of the estate in 1857. Many houses in Pembroke itself were also auctioned, as the family owned much of Pembroke. Sadly the lovely Orielton House is now up for sale – for a mere £1.1million! Considering what’s there, that sounds very little!

Quiz Night September 19th

Our September Quiz Night went very well with all tables taken. Lovely buffet provided by the volunteer ladies of the Society with no left-overs! Many thanks to Rose Blakburn for once again taking on the role of Quizmaster.

Forthcoming Events September/October

Pembroke & Monkton Local History Society begins its new season of events with a Quiz Night on Friday September 19th in Pembroke Town Hall at 7pm. Tickets are £5 payable at the door and this includes a buffet. Teas and coffee are provided, but you may bring your own wine if you wish.

Following this, on Saturday morning October 4th, we have a Coffee Morning and Talk in Pembroke Town Hall. Popular local historian Gareth Mills, will give his talk on ‘The History of Orielton and the Owen family - from the Norman period right through to the present day’. He concentrates on the Owen family who were major landowners, industrialists and political influencers throughout the 18th and 19th Centuries in south west Wales. It is a story of political intrigue, which gives an incredible insight into how powerful wealthy landowners were so influential in everything that happened at that time!

August 6th - the Pembroke Show

Great day at the Pembroke Town and Country Show! Lots of interest in our stall advertising our work with a display of museum artefacts and old farming photographs. The Show is a lovely community event - a chance to meet up with so many and lots to see and do. Established in 1817, the Farmers Club has held the annual Pembroke & Country show for over 200 years. Show attractions include cattle, sheep and goat judging, horse and dog shows, trade and craft marquees, displays of vintage tractors and cars with plenty of food and refreshment stalls. A great day out for the family - weather was great too!

PEMBROKE RIVER RALLY - JULY 19th

Congratulations Pembroke Town Council and West Wales Maritime Heritage Society on another successful River Rally. The River Rally is a reminder of our once great maritime past when the Pembroke River was of vital importance to Pembroke. Pembroke’s medieval charters granted it a monopoly of sea trade in Milford Haven, which brought great prosperity. Whilst Pembroke’s importance as a port declined, the sea remained a main highway until well into the 20th century when the last of the coastal traders, the Kathleen & May, made her last trip up the Pembroke River to the North Quay in 1960. Now, unfortunately, boats are a rare sight sailing into Pembroke: a barrage effectively blocks the way, but can be opened by arrangement. For the River Rally it is lowered to allow boats to enter Castle Pond and, in so doing, maintain the right of navigation up the Pembroke River on behalf of the people of Pembroke. Despite the South Quay presently being the scene of great building works, the event took place on Pembroke Mill Bridge, site of the Henry VII statue and here the Mayor, Cllr Gareth Jones read the traditional proclamation declaring Pembroke’s right of navigation. Here also Pembroke Town Council organised stalls, activities and music on the Quayside for all the family – a great day out!