Trade and Commerce

The town of Haverfordwest became a centre of medieval Flemish settlement in mid-Pembrokeshire. Renowned as hard working and highly skilled in the wool trade, this community developed trade and agriculture in the town and district. Haverfordwest became an important market and port.

Maritime trade was an important economic factor in the growth of the town. The river was navigable as far as the Old Bridge for ships of up to 250 tons, at high tide. In the latter part of the 16th century, Haverfordwest was the second largest port in Wales. Trade links were established with France, Spain and Portugal. Items exported included coal, corn, hides, malt and ale. The main imports included salt and wine. Coastal trade was also substantial with places such as London, Liverpool, Dublin, Waterford, Belfast and Bristol.

In the first half of the 19th century, Haverfordwest was still an important port. In 1831, 130 vessels entered the river with merchandise, and the value of exports was around £100,000. The prominence of the port had resulted in the development of industry along the banks of the river, from the North Gate to the New Quay. Industry then spread to other areas of the town. These industries included the flour mills, paper mills, saw mills, tanneries and Llewewllin's Churn works which exported butter churns all over the world.

The arrival of the railway in 1853 led to the decline of Haverfordwest as a port, but coastal vessels arrived at the port up to World War II.

The 19th century saw the town develop more and more as a shopping centre. Whole streets such as Market Street, High Street and Bridge Street became shopping streets. Throughout the 20th century this has remained the case. Some of the older businesses still trading today include Greens Motors, the town's largest private employer, J & G Bland Motors, Bisley H. Munt in High Street and Ocky White's department store in Bridge Street. Haverfordwest's traditional role as a market and administrative centre continued into the 20th century. It also witnessed a process of refurbishment and rebuilding as long established firms expanded their premises and new businesses were attracted to the town.