October 6th - The Hurlows of Monkton Bridge

David James and Keith Johnson (right)

On Saturday October 6^th Pembroke & Monkton History Society welcomed 2 speakers to its monthly Talk and Coffee Morning in Monkton Church Hall. 

Keith Johnson began with his talk ‘From Pugwash to Pembroke: the Hurlows of Monkton Bridge and the Canada timber trade’, shedding light on a little-known aspect of Pembroke's history - the activities of the Hurlow family of Bridgend House, Monkton, who were prominent merchants, ship-builders and seafarers in the early 19th century. 

Between about 1808 and 1830, the Hurlows built a number of fine brigs and schooners at Cunnigar on the Monkton shore, opposite Pembroke Castle.  Many of these ships were built for the timber trade and sailed regularly between Pembroke and Quebec carrying emigrants to the New World and returning with cargoes of timber, often with one of the Hurlow men as skipper.

Seafaring across the north Atlantic was a hazardous business, and the Hurlows suffered their share of disasters.  Thomas Hurlow spent four days in mid Atlantic lashed to a topmast, with just a lump of raw beef to eat, after his ship was swamped by a gale.  He was eventually rescued and became a prominent figure in Pembroke as a councillor and property developer.  His brothers George and William were not so fortunate; both perished on voyages to distant ports.

Keith's talk ended with a plea for a study to be made of the Bridgend site which, with its walled gardens, stone quays and 'lost' mansion house, is a neglected area of the town in more ways than one. 

detail from an engraving by Bucks brothers which shows the fine Bridgend House and sailing vessels

David James followed Keith with an introduction to his new publication: ‘Hancock’s Shipbuilding Company in Pembroke Dock: the ships and the men who built them’.  Launched last week at Hancock’s Yard, the book has already proved popular with local people and sales have been extremely good.   After his talk, David signed many more copies.