Small Town in Carmarthenshire, on the Estuary of the River Taff

Laugharne

Small town in Carmarthenshire, on the estuary of the River Taff Appeared in Arthurian Legend, and was described Merlin the Magician as being one of the three greatest places. Cockle industry used to be main economy. Has a 12th Century Castle. Has mediaeval open field system in operation and a mediaeval corporation – every 3 years there is a walk of 25 miles around the Corporation lands. Dylan Thomas Boathouse attracted over 30000 visitors during 2008. Population of 2942 Actor Neil Morrissey invested heavily in property around 2004. The town now hosts a Literary Weekend – 2008 was headlined by Will Self, Howard Marks and Patti Smith. Famous visitors in the past include: Richard Burton, Audrey Hepburn and former US president, Jimmy Carter.

Dylan Thomas Born 7th October 1914. Sept. 1925 – Pupil at Swansea Grammar. July 1931 – Leaves school and becomes a reporter Leaves job 1932 and in 1934, first book of poetry published May 1934 – Visits Laugharne for the first time. 1936 – Moves to Laugharne and Marries Caitlin (the story seen in “The Edge of Love”.) They live here until May 1940 (leave for London). May 1949 – Moves with Family to the boathouse in Laugharne. 1950 – Tours America. 1953 – Under Milk Wood released. Tours America Again. Oct/Nov 1953 – Goes on drinking binge. Falls into a coma and dies in St.Vincents Hospital New Is flown home and buried in Laugharne.

Initiatives – bench in front of castle, paved walkway from coach parking directly to Boathouse, seating area with quotes relating to the town and features relating to a Maritime theme, the Boathouse and Writing shed (plaques). Also around the town a number of shops / cafes are using the Dylan Thomas link – selling poetry books, ‘Under Milkwood’ Bar in the pub. New poet’s walk up the hill with themed benches and information boards. Narberth

The name ‘Arberth’ (from which Narberth is derived) is of Celtic origin, and the area is mentioned in The Mabignon, a collection of Welsh folk tales from the 14th Century.

Narberth Castle is of Norman origin, and lies on the ‘Landsker’ line. The Normans came to Pembrokeshire in the late 11th century and drove the native Welsh out. The Landsker line marks the defensive boundary the Normans built to keep the Welsh out. Now it marks the line of Welsh-language speakers in Pembrokeshire.

Narberth is situated at a crossroads of historic trade routes – Haverfordwest to Carmarthen (East to West) and Tenby to Cardigan (North to South). In 1688 Narberth was granted a charter to hold weekly markets and became a prominent local market town.

In the early 19th Century the town saw significant expansion and was the base for local craftsmen e.g. blacksmiths, drapers, bootmakers, clock makers.

In 1853 the railways came to Pembrokeshire, providing a more efficient route for goods and livestock out to larger markets in Carmarthen and the rest of Wales.

The development of a comprehensive road and rail network in the 20th Century led to the closure of local markets and the decline of a number of market towns, including Narberth.

In the 1990s a number of local businesses opened up to try and reverse the decline. They included the ‘Golden Sheaf Gallery’ (art), ‘Queens Hall’ (community / entertainment), ‘Welsh Farmhouse Company’ (local produce) and ‘Ultracomida’ (Welsh/Spanish deli). They were all established by individuals using private finance (bottom-up).

Now Narberth is established as a centre for top-end, independent retail and attracts visitors from across South and West Wales. The businesses have established Planed ( ) in association with Pembrokeshire County Council and Narberth Chamber of Commerce to manage the town’s development.

Initiatives – free town centre parking, Narberth Food Festival (annual event in September), Old Town Hall (centre-piece). Milford Haven

Built as a new town by Charles Francis Greville, nephew of Sir William Hamilton (landowner), in 1790. Town centre is based on an American grid-iron pattern. The first settlers were a group of whalers from Nantucket who provided whale oil for the lamps of London.

In 1802 Sir William Hamilton, his wife Lady Hamilton and her lover, Lord Nelson, stayed in Milford at The New Inn. It was subsequently renamed the Lord Nelson Hotel.

In 1814 a rival dock opened in Pembroke Dock and the naval Dockyard and Irish Packet ferry moved across the Haven.

In 1888 the docks at Hubberston Pill were opened. Fish caught at Milford Haven were taken by train to London and sold at Billingsgate Fish Market. By 1910 Milford Haven was Britain’s fifth largest fishing port famous for hake, sole and herrings with smokehouses and ice packers on the quayside. In the 1920s 4000 people worked in the fishing industry.

After a record catch of 59,000 tons in 1946 the fishing industry declined due to localised over-fishing.

During both World Wars Milford Haven was used as a major naval base, used for assembling transatlantic convoys during WW2 and as a base for production of deep sea mines. In WW1 24 Belgian trawlers, their crews and families sought shelter in Milford Haven. This is commemorated by a monument.

In 1957, after the decline of the fishing industry, the redevelopment of the area as a deep-water oil port was started. Four refineries by 1974 (Valero – still open, Murco – still open, BP and Esso closed in 1980s). In 2009 Dragon and South Hook LNG terminals opened on site of old refineries. Now RWE Gas fired power station completed near Valero refinery.

Initiatives:

Milford Docks was purchased by the Milford Haven Port Authority in the1980s. Since 2000 they have focused on developing the Quayside for commercial, retail, residential and recreation purposes.

Museum – one of the oldest buildings in Milford Haven. Built as the Customs House, and then used to store items awaiting shipment to London.

Torch Theatre – refurbished in 2007/08. Combines a theatre, cinema, galley and café (with Wi-Fi and marina views). Pembrokeshire Fish Week, annual event in June/July. Food stalls, celebrity chefs, boat trips, art and craft workshops, fishing. Run by Pembrokeshire County Council. Funded through the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-13 – (Welsh Assembly and EU) with other funding coming from PCC, South West Wales Tourism and Milford Haven Port Authority.