Local History

Pembrokeshire Pirates and Poets, Politicians and Parsons have all left their legacy, found in legends, songs, folklore and governmental polices. The local Gift and Bookshops offer an interesting selection of the works and information of these characters of Pembrokeshire.

Bartholomew Roberts,
"Barti Ddi," or "Black Bart"
born 1682 near Fishguard was one of the most successful pirates in history, seizing over 400 ships in the Caribbean and off the coasts of Africa and Canada.
He was noted as being a very religious man, on the Sabath he would not permit any drinking, fighting, blaspheming or wenching. If pursueing a prize ship he would not engage in battle until the Monday.
His men respected and admired their captain, although being a strict disciplinarian. In return for his crew's loyalty Roberts paid them a generous share of the booty and he also showed leniency to the crew of the ships he captured, many taking up arms alongside Black Bart.

The name "Jolly Roger" is derived from the nickname "Le Jolie Rouge" given to Roberts because of his flamboyant attire, particularly his fondness of wearing a scarlet waistcoat when attacking and seizing gold laden ships.

Last Invasion of Britain
Fishguard was also the scene of the last Invasion of mainland Britain. On February 23rd. 1797, around 2,500 French troops, commanded by an American mercenary, Colonel William Tate, landed in a cove near Goodwick.
The French were spotted by a group of local ladies, who dressed in black with red shawls and tall black hats were mistaken by the French as being English soldiers, which after enduring a terrible sea voyage, did little for their morale.

The Pembrokeshire Yeomanary and the local part- time militia The Fishguard Fencibles were summoned to take up arms and engaged the invaders. After a brief battle the main body of the French army surrendered to Lord Cowdor, commander of the Welsh troops, and laid down their arms on Goodwick Sands, now Fishguard Harbour.

A number of French troops fled into the surrounding area but were quickly captured. One group in particular was rounded up single handed and armed only with a pitchfork, by Fishguard's heroin Jemima Nicholas. For her actions, Jemima Nicholas received a bravery medal and a life time pension.
As a direct result of this Invasion, the Bank of England decided to print and issue paper money to safeguard its Gold and Silver Reserve.

Nearby is the picturesque fortified town of Pembroke, one of Pembrokeshire's many historic towns.
The Tudor Monarchy has its roots in Pembrokeshire, King Henry VII. was born in Pembroke Castle (Castell Penfro) on 28th. January 1457.