The Beginning

The Norman conquest of Dyfed began in 1093 following the death of Rhys ap Tewdwr, King of Deheubarth. The castle at Haverfordwest was built under the leadership of Tancred the Fleming in about 1110 after Henry I had encouraged Flemish settlement in West Wales. The castle, originally of earth and timber, stands in a strong position overlooking the tidal limits of the Western Cleddau river at its lowest fording point.

The town began as the settlement which established itself below the castle. Known as Castleton, it contained the church of St. Martins and the market place located in Queens Square. Early developments can be attributed to physical factors, notably the strong strategic position, and the lowest fording point and the highest navigable point on the western Cleddau River.

By the 13th century, population growth had forced settlement beyond Castleton. The name adopted by the growing settlement was Haverford. The first part of the name is derived from the Old English word haefer, meaning buck or goat. The second part is given because the town was the first place on the river which afforded a safe opportunity to ford the Western Cleddau. Therefore, the name Haverford means 'where goats crossed the river'. This was later change to Haverfordwest to avoid confusion with the town of Hereford.

Although Llywelyn the Great attacked and burned the town in 1220, this early period was little troubled by warfare. It is probable that only Castleton was enclosed with stonewalls, and the expanded town of Haverford was surrounded by earth and timber defences. Further fortification was provided by the existence of the town gates. A survey of 1405 refers to six gates: North Gate; South Gate at the upper end of Market Street; West Gate in Dew Street; East Gate on the East side of Castleton; St. Martins Gate, south of St. Martins Church; and Red Gate on or near the Bridge.

The 13th century saw the establishment of the new market area around St. Mary's church. The basic street pattern that survives today was also laid out at this time. High Street connected the new Market with the quay, and Market Street led to St. Thomas' church. The route along the river which linked the bridge, quay and Augustinian Priory became Bridge Street and Ship Street, now Quay Street. At the beginning of the 14th century Haverford, a thriving market centre and port, had grown into one of the largest towns in Wales.