Haverfordwest

There are few towns in Wales that have a longer and more distinguished history than Haverfordwest, whose documents date back to the 13th Century.

In medieval times Haverfordwest was one of the largest towns in Wales, with its wealthy priory and Dominican friary, thriving coastal and foreign trade and benefitting from generous priveleges granted to the town. It also had the distinction of being a 'Town and County' in its own right, with a Court of Assize and a Court of Quarter Sessions.

Although much of the medieval street plan remains today, most buildings are predominantly of the 18th and 19th centuries. Being located either side of the river, the layout of the streets has been determined by river crossing points. Early development was around the Old Bridge area which for many years was the only bridge in the town. In 1837, the New Bridge provided an improved approach to the town via the fine terraces of Victoria Place, which replaced the crumbling medieval streets. Prominent local architect and businessman William Owen was instrumental in this development, even paying for the bridge himself.

Other noticeable improvements taking place during the 19th Century included the building of Shire Hall, the Cornmarket and Market Hall, Masonic Hall on Picton Place, the prison by the castle, the workhouse on Priory Mount and the Infirmary on St. Thomas' Green. Many of the non-conformist chapels were also built at this time.

The arrival of the railway in 1853 brought about a rapid reduction in sea trade, contributing to the decline of the quayside area, although businesses such as the Llewellin Churnwork's benefited from improved access to wider markets. The town continued to be a centre for the farming community and later developed as an important shopping centre, with Commerce House in Market Street being one of the largest department stores in the whole of Wales.

More life is now returning to the riverside and the Old Bridge, with the development of the Riverside Quay and the Riverside Market. Road improvements and new shopping developments are attracting visitors to the town, which is also growing as a centre for touring West Wales.

Places to visit in Haverfordwest include:

• Visit the Town Museum housed in the Castle.
• The ruins of an Augustinian Priory have recently been excavated and occupy a pleasant setting beside the river a short walk from the town centre.
• Situated in the Sir Thomas Picton School site is the Haverfordwest Sports Centre comprising badminton courts, squash courts and fitness suite.
• There's an indoor karting centre at the County Showground, Withybush.
• Take a pleasure flight over Pembrokeshire from Withybush Airport.
• The Pembrokeshire County Show at Withybush is one of Wales major agricultural events and provides three days of fun each year in mid-August.
• Haverfordwest Golf Course provides good golf with views towards the Preseli Hills on an 18-hole parkland course.

To find out more about this fascinating and interesting medieval town, click on the links on the right.