In the 1340s the medieval town of Haverfordwest reached its highpoint prior to the outbreak of the Black Death. It is one of the largest towns in Wales and its size and importance is indicated by its three parish churches. Prosperity was based on cloth production and the presence of its port, markets and fairs and its central location allowing it to draw in goods from the rest of Pembrokeshire.
1349 onwards - with the outbreak of the Black Death there was a major loss of population and economic decline in Haverfordwest with much property left unoccupied.
1390 Richard II visited Haverfordwest 3 times. Some rebuilding of the castle was done at this time possibly in anticipation of troubles to come.
1405 Franco Welsh forces under Owain Glyndwr burn Haverfordwest but fail to storm the castle. The castle was further strengthened after this with a new tower.
1479 Haverfordwest receives its Royal Charter and is granted the status as both a town and county.
1485 Henry Earl of Richmond visited Haverfordwest on his way to Bosworth and the crown as Henry VII.
1532 Henry VIII granted the castle to Anne Bolyn and she held it until her execution in 1536.
1543 With the second Act of Union Haverfordwest is confirmed in the unusual status of being both a town and county in its own right, with its own MP, Sheriff and Court of Great Sessions. Haverfordwest also becomes in effect the county town for Pembrokeshire serving as its administrative and commercial centre.
During the 16th century Haverfordwest becomes the centre for the social life of the Pembrokeshire gentry.
1577 Haverfordwest castle described as a ruin.
During the early 17th Century Haverfordwest reaches its highest point of wealth and importance before being ruined by the Civil Wars and the plague that followed. It was still one of the largest and wealthiest towns in Wales.
1638 Albany becomes the towns first non-conformist chapel
1643 Castle being repaired for use in the Civil Wars as a Royalist stronghold and the town fortified.
1644 - 1645 Haverfordwest changes hands at least 5 times between Royalists and Parliamentarians to the great loss and distress of the inhabitants.
1648 Oliver Cromwell issues orders for the destruction of the castle, it was partially destroyed.
The Civil Wars leave the town impoverished.
1652 Last major outbreak of the plague in Haverfordwest, possibly some 300 out of a population of 2500 die in six months.
1653 The castle was being used as a quarry for buildings in the town.
Haverfordwest recovered after the Civil Wars and plague but never regained its former importance being rapidly surpassed by other towns such as Swansea and Carmarthen.
18th and early 19th Century - Fine Georgian buildings built reflecting Haverfordwest's position as the centre of Pembrokeshire society life and its economy.
1779 Haverfordwest prison built on the site of the castle.
1797 The castle site prepared for defence following the French landings at Fishguard. 415 French prisoners of war held in the prison following the landings.
1813 French prisoners of war again being held in Haverfordwest prison.
1816 Debtors prison added on the castle site.
1820 New prison built on the castle site to replace existing ones.
1821 Last execution in Pembrokeshire held at Haverfordwest with William Roblin being hung for murder before a large crowd.
1830s Major improvement scheme to redevelop the town underway. Shire Hall and Castle Square built and the New Bridge constructed providing a new grand entry into the town.
1853 The South Wales railway arrives at the town heralding the decline of Haverfordwest as a port.
1878 Haverfordwest prison closed and becomes a police station and headquarters of the Pembrokeshire Constabulary.
1967 Pembrokeshire Record Office and a museum opened in the old prison / police station building on the castle site.
1972 National Eisteddfod held at Haverfordwest.
1996 Haverfordwest once more becomes the headquarters of Pembrokeshire County Council following the creation of new unitary authorities. This had disappeared on local government reorganisation in 1974.
David Llewelyn - Pembrokeshire Record Office, part of Pembrokeshire County Council
Back to the History of Haverfordwest - Part One
your comments
Edwin Williams, Swansea
I was fascinated to read the item on Ebenezer Gibbon since I am a descendant through my mother's family. The link with Swansea began with Edwin, one of Ebenezer's sons, who moved to Swansea and worked in a local steelworks. He is my great grandfather. He died in 1929 and is buried in a local cemetery alongside his mother, Ann, who died in 1903.
Tue May 19 11:31:22 2009
David Carter living at Plymouth, Devon
My late father Bertie Carter was born in Haverfordwest as were his father George Carter and grandfather William Carter. I was never made aware if there were any grave stones to mark the burial plots of my grandparents or great grandparents. How would I obtain this information?
Tue Mar 31 10:51:47 2009
Clive Ross, All saints, Axminster.
My father was the first electrical and radio engineer in Haverfordwest, with a shop at 8 Victoria Place (New Bridge) called 'Ross for Wireless', from the late 1920's until 1939. I was born in the flat above the shop and I had a sister Peggy and a brother Donald. Dad and Mum retired to Llangwm in 1952.
Thu Feb 26 12:48:58 2009
C Jones from Haverford
This is a really interesting piece about Haverford, especially the Castle. It's nice to catch up with William Marshal once again - he was such an IMPORTANT part of our history but is often ignored, many people have never heard of him - huge shame, that. Many Thanks.
Mon Jan 26 16:30:42 2009
Janet Hamblen, Blaenavon
Very interested to read the article. I was born in Haverfordwest and for a large part of my life lived in Milford haven. I have a framed charcoal drawing - a remarkable piece of work for a youngster - signed Louisa Rogers Easter 1876 at Hill House College. Louisa was a relative but I have been ubable to find out anything about her or abouth Hill House College. Would be grateful for any help?
Tue Jan 13 17:39:32 2009
T.A.Smith, Felixstowe,Suffolk
Further to my email dated September 6th, I have now found out that my Gt.Gt. Grandfather, John Harries's Pub was called the "Farmers' Arms" which I believe is still around. He also hired out horses and gigs.
Mon Dec 1 11:19:38 2008
michelle mcgrattan
I have acquired a painting which is inscribed on the back with Margaret Curtois Hill House College, Haverfordwest Christmas 1872. It's a most beautiful picture. I would be delighted to know a little about the history i.e of Hill House College and if at all Margaret Curtois. Any help would be very much appreciated
Mon Sep 15 15:40:52 2008
T.A.Smith, Felixstowe, Suffolk
My Gt.Gt. Grandfather, John Harries and his wife Hannah lived at 55 Holloway, H'west, on the 184l/1851 Censuses they are down as licenced victuallers. I would like to find out if this was a Inn or a Shop. In 1854 their daughter Sarah married my Gt. Grandfather George Phipps in H'west, he worked for the Gt. Western Railway, they later moved to Neyland, and lived at 13 Railway Terrace, where my Grandfather was born.
Sat Sep 6 14:49:56 2008
(Mrs.) Vera Lowe nee Gibbon
My great-grandfather, Ebenezer Gibbon, was the first manager (Superintendent was the title) of the gasworks. The works were built under his supervision and he had the responsibility, also, for the paving of the street. Both of these required a separate Act of Parliament in the reign of William 4th. My family lived in the town and round about for many centuries but none live there now. I was brought up in Haverfordwest, went to Hill House College and then Tasker's. At my age I cannot visit any more although I used to do so regularly until a few years ago. I still look at these websites and hardly recognise anything that I knew in the 1920s and'30s...
Thu Aug 28 10:54:51 2008
(Mrs.) Vera Lowe nee Gibbon
My great-grandfather, Ebenezer Gibbon, was the first manager (Superintendent was the title) of the Gasworks. The works were built under his supervision and he had the responsibility, also, for the paving of the street. Both of these required a separate Act of Parliament in the reign of William 4th. My family lived in the town and round about for many centuries but none live there now. I was brought up in Haverfordwest, went to Hill House College and then Tasker's. At my age I cannot visit any more although I used to do so regularly until a few years ago. I still look at these websites and hardly recognise anything that I knew in the 1920s and'30s. I have written up my Gibbon family for my own family to know them.
Mon Aug 18 10:56:53 2008
William Thomas Roberts
The above is my father who was born in Haverfordwest in 1915, his father Frederick Roberts and his grandfather ran a business from 9 Dark Street, they were builders, they also made coffins and furniture that was sold from the front of number 11 Dark Street. They were a large family who all died from tuberculosis which was rampant at the time. My father and his half brothers Joseph and George Roberts were born 14 years after my father survived.
Tue Jan 8 12:20:35 2008
Alan Hunter from Pembroke
As a child we used to play (explore) the castle, I have often wondered if there are any excisting tunnels running to and from Haverfordwest Castle.
Thu Jan 3 10:55:25 2008
Tony Walsh
My Great Grandfather was W.D. Phillips see book 'Old Haverfordwest - Born in the 'Bull' - Prendergast - Owner of the Salutation - Illuminator for Lloyd George.
Wed Nov 14 12:11:03 2007
jess from milford
Just wondering does any one know the name of the founder of Haverfordwest ?
Mon Jul 16 11:42:33 2007
John James, Molesey,Surrey
No comment on the founding of Haverfordwest Grammar School in the 15th century?
Fri Jul 6 13:19:03 2007
David Bevis Charleston, sc USA
Would like to pay respects to George Mitchell in hospital. Founder of "Robel on the Quay" in Haverfordwest. A legend in his own time.
Fri Mar 30 10:43:14 2007
John Llewellyn. Cape Town South Africa
My Grandfather was Edgar Llewellyn from Haverfordwest. Just curious
Tue Aug 29 10:07:47 2006
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