I. Population and Area

Continent: Europe

Country: The U.K

State/Province: Wales

City/Town: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

Total Area: 610 (sq mi)  (Pembrokeshire)

Population in 2011: 12.04 (thousand）

II. Natural Geography (environment and resources)

Transport

Haverfordwest is served by Haverfordwest Airport. Haverfordwest railway station is on the West Wales Line. It is served by Transport for Wales services to Manchester Piccadilly and Milford Haven.

Haverfordwest bus station is located beside Riverside Quay Shopping Centre. It has six bus stops with two additional bays for coach drop off/pickup. It is served by Edwards Coaches, First Cymru, National Express and Richards Brothers.

Forming one of the major "road hubs" of West Wales, the town is at the junction of the A40, A4076 and A487 roads and several rural B roads, including the B4329 running northwards to Eglwyswrw across the Preseli Mountains. The A40 connects Haverfordwest with Carmarthen to the east and Fishguard to the north; the A4076 connects Haverfordwest with Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock to the south; the A487 connects Haverfordwest with St Davids to the northwest.

Topography

Haverfordwest is a market town, the county town of Pembrokeshire and an important road network hub between Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Fishguard and St David's as a result of its position at the tidal limit of the Western Cleddau. The majority of the town, comprising the old parishes of St. Mary, St. Martin and St. Thomas, lies on the right (west) bank of the river. On the left bank are the suburbs of Prendergast and Cartlett. At this point, a pair of sandstone ridges extending east-west and separated by a deep, narrow valley, are cut through by the Western Cleddau. This leaves two high spurs on the west side of the river. On the northern spur, the castle and its surrounding settlement form the core of St Martin's parish. On the southern spur, the High Street ascends steeply from the river and forms the core of St Mary's parish. From the foot of each spur, ancient bridges cross the river to Prendergast: St Martin's Bridge ("the Old Bridge") and St Mary's Bridge ("the New Bridge", built in 1835). St Thomas's parish occupies the south side of the southern spur. From these core areas, the town has spread, mainly along the ridges. In addition to the four ancient parish churches, the remains of an Augustinian priory are visible at the southern edge of the town.

Toponymy

The name of the town means "ford used by heifers" or "ford used by goats" from Old English h?fer. In local dialect, it is pronounced "Harford". "West" was added in the 15th century, to distinguish the town from Hereford. It is marked as Herfordwest on a 1578 parish map of Pembrokeshire. The Welsh name is said by B. G. Charles to be "merely a corruption of the English name".

III. ECONOMY

In accordance with its status as a sub-regional hub-town, Haverfordwest continues to serve as Pembrokeshire's principal commercial and retail centre. The development of the riverside shopping centre in Withybush on the outskirts of the town includes Marks & Spencer in 2010 and Debenham's in 2013. A new town library opened in 2018 in the former Riverside Market building.

Concerns about the relative decline of the historic town centre compared to the growth of the retail centre at Withybush led to Welsh historian John Davies expressing his concern that Haverfordwest is becoming "a medieval town surrounded by tin sheds".

The Pembrokeshire Economy 4.3.1 This section provides a brief review of some of the key macroeconomic issues in Pembrokeshire and considers their potential relevance in the context of this study. Economic Base 4.3.2 A key point to emerge during the consultation process was the structure and diversity of the local economy. A number of stakeholders explained that private sector employment in the Pembrokeshire economy is almost entirely concentrated in energy and tourism and it was felt that this was an inherent weakness in the area. Final Report A40 St Clears to Haverfordwest Economic Activity & Location Impacts (EALI) Study 59 4.3.3 The BRES data bear this point out – whilst the averages for the County as a whole bear some resemblance to the Welsh average, there are clear sectoral concentrations of employment. For example, manufacturing (which includes the energy sector) in Neyland and Pembroke Dock are 14% and 15% respectively (compared to the Welsh average of 12%). Similarly, ‘Tenby & Surroundings’ and ‘Northern Saundersfoot & Surroundings’ have concentrations of employment in the ‘a(chǎn)ccommodation & food services’ sector of 43% and 35% respectively. 4.3.4 Outwith these industries, only public sector employment and retail (which will also experience positive multiplier effects from the tourism and energy sectors) demonstrate employment concentrations of any significance. 4.3.5 Of particular importance is the energy sector, which is the critical private sector employer in the area in terms of providing permanent, full-time, skilled and high value employment. As well as direct employment, there is significant direct spin-off employment in, for example, construction and transport & storage, and indirect spin-off employment in, for example retail. Whilst tourism employment is a key part of the economy, it is generally seasonal and low wage, with a number of consultees explaining that Pembrokeshire residents often hold two or three jobs (although this study cannot verify this point except to acknowledge the issue of under-employment previously raised). Agriculture, whilst significant from an economic perspective, is a relatively low employer. 4.3.6 Whilst valuing the positive contribution these industries make to the area, consultees expressed significant concern about the dependence on a small subset of industries for employment. This concern has been heightened by the recent Milford Haven Refinery closure and the loss of employment associated with it. It was explained that the impact of this closure has not fully worked through as yet because:  Redundancy packages provided ex-employees with a lump sum of money to start another business or support them whilst they looked for alternative employment;  The Valero operated Pembroke Refinery recruited a number of ex-Murco staff; and  Former Murco staff have moved to other UK refineries or abroad but by and large have kept their family in Pembrokeshire. 4.3.7 Consultees explained that if the Pembroke Refinery was also to close or scale back its activities over time, the impact on the local area would be dramatic – over 1,200 staff and contractors are employed at the refinery, with Valero reportedly paying more than ￡1 million per week in wages to a largely local workforce. There would also be very significant knock-on impacts in the supply-chain and in, for example, retail businesses and restaurants. This weakness within the economy is seen to be of great significance and there was a strong view that maintaining the Pembroke Refinery should be the key objective of the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone Board. What role could enhanced transport connectivity play

Reference Website:

https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2017-09/a40-st-clears-to-haverfordwest-economic-active-and-location-eali-study.pdf

IV. Industrial Characterisitics

Major industries:

Fishing

With Pembrokeshire's extensive coastal areas and tidal river estuaries, fishing was an important industry at least from the 16th century. Many ports and villages were dependent on the fishing. The former large sea fishing industry around Milford Haven is now greatly reduced, although limited commercial fishing still takes place. At its peak, Milford was landing over 40,000 tons of fish a year. Pembrokeshire Fish Week is a biennial event which in 2014 attracted 31,000 visitors and generated ￡3 million for the local economy.

Mining

Slate quarrying was a significant industry in the 19th and early 20th centuries with quarrying taking place at about 100 locations throughout the county. Over 50 coal workings in the Pembrokeshire Coalfield were in existence between the 14th and 20th centuries,with the last coal mine, at Kilgetty, closing in 1950.

Major projects and related introductions:

Pembrokeshire Council Invests in Haverfordwest’s Historical Regen Project

Haverfordwest Castle is an important historical and tourism asset to the County with enormous, previously untapped potential. Since 2015, the castle’s owners Pembrokeshire County Council have been working with a wide range of local organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors to realise ambitious plans to bring the castle back into use to play an important role in the regeneration of the county town.

With first-phase costs of ￡4 million, Pembrokeshire County Council has shown its intent by pledging ￡475,000 as match funding towards the vision. Critically, the Authority are also busy putting together a funding application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and researching other funding opportunities and partners to drive forward what promises to be a stunning piece of regenerative work.

Now over 900 years old, Haverfordwest castle has a rich and fascinating history. In 1289 Queen Eleanor, the wife of Edward I ‘The Longshanks’ – of Braveheart infamy – acquired it.  In 1648, Oliver Cromwell ordered the castle to be dismantled but thankfully, that order was not carried out. The ruins of the castle were robbed of dressed stone over successive centuries, leaving what can be seen today. With so many more stories to tell, the completion of these renovations will unveil more of the castle’s fascinating secrets – and its important place in Welsh history – to enthralled visitors from near and far.

Reference Website:

https://businessnewswales.com/pembrokeshire-council-invests-in-haverfordwests-historical-regen-project/

V. Attractions

1. Lions Den：

The Lions Den provides families with a superior entertainment venue, with the opportunity to enjoy exciting, safe and adventurous play in a relaxed atmosphere for under 12s and their entourage.

The adventure play facility is spread over several levels and comprises all the fun favourites of kids over the ages from simple ball pools and squashy surfacing to high adrenaline slides and basically wall to wall exercise convincingly disguised as loads of fun!

Parents, grandparents and carers will feel comfortable that the children can play safely and also take the opportunity to unwind in the comfortable relaxation areas with widescreen tv, wifi connection and a selection of daily newspapers! When you take into account that you don't have to clean up either it's almost better than being at home!

Once they're comfortable there you can always availa yourselves of the Cub's Creche and Full Day Care Facilities also on offer.

2. West Wales Karting：

West Wales Karting (previously BP Karting) boasts a new 300 metre indoor track with 5 hairpins and a 70m straight.

Kids over 8 can drive Honda Cadet karts with adjustable seats and pedals, plus they're fitted with fitted with off track speed controls for safety. Full instructions and training provided before they start.

3. Merlins Magic Childrens Play Centre：

If you are looking for an exciting Children's Play Centre in Pembrokeshire, make Merlins Magic Play Centre your first place you visit. We are based on the Fishguard Road in Haverfordwest and have ample free parking for cars to coaches.

We are a unique children's play centre, offering mums and dads a choice for their children's learning, play development and interaction.

At Merlins Magic we have a selection of exciting indoor play areas under one roof. We have 2 brightly coloured play rooms full with toys and music, a separate under 4's soft play area, and an over 4's to 11soft play area with rope bridges, ball pools, a special spooky room, 3 lane bumpy slide and much, much more. We pride ourselves on our facilities being modern, safe, secure and very friendly for children and parents; we have many happy returning customers and are well known throughout the Pembrokeshire area.

Reference Website:

https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/south-wales/pembrokeshire/haverfordwest

VI. History

Haverfordwest has been English-speaking for centuries. South Pembrokeshire is known as 'Little England Beyond Wales', but because the markets traded with Welsh farmers in the north and east, there has always been a significant Welsh-speaking influence. The suburb of Prendergast seems to have originated as an extramural Welsh dormitory, dating from the times when all agricultural trade had to pass through the borough, and the fearful Normans before the destruction of Anglo-Norman power in 1136 tried to prevent Welshmen bearing arms from entering within the castle walls after nightfall.

Origins

The scores of Iron Age and Roman coinage and artefact discoveries, and excavations by the Dyfed Archaeological Trust under the direction of Heather James at Carmarthen (Moridunum) in the 1980s, point to significant Roman penetration to this westernmost part of Wales. The strategic position of Haverfordwest with its defensive bluff overlooking the lowest fordable point on the western Cleddau and accessible to sea traffic would have required a Roman presence, probably modest in scale, from the 1st century AD to protect supplies to and from the coast, e.g. the Roman legionary headquarters at Caerleon were roofed with slates from the lower slopes of the Preseli Hills. In 1992 aerial photography identified a Roman road running west of Carmarthen past Wiston to Poyston Cross, raising the possibility of Roman fortlets at strategic river crossings at Whitland and Haverfordwest. Edward Llwyd's note to Camden's Britannia (ed. 1695) refers to a valuable find of silver coins at Llanboidy, the latest coin being one of Domitian struck in AD 91. In the 1920s Sir Mortimer Wheeler partially excavated a Roman dwelling or villa at Wolfscastle; work was restarted in 2002 by Professor Merroney. James Phillips, in The History of Pembrokeshire (published 1909), records a find of Roman silver coins in Haverfordwest, the earliest dated coin a Valerian and the latest a Claudius Gothicus. The museum in which the coins were deposited has been "scattered to the winds" and the whereabouts of the coins is unknown.

Medieval period

The proposition that Haverfordwest Castle was founded by Tancred, a Flemish Marcher Lord, is questionable. The Marcher Lords were not Flemish but Norman Barons originally along the Marches The castle is recorded as having been founded in 1100 by the Norman Gilbert de Clare. The Flemings, said to have arrived in three groups in 1107, 1111 and 1151, are likely to have participated in its later development for their own and the Normans' protection from the Welsh warlords. It is recorded that the Constable of the castle in 1207 was Itohert, son of Richard Tancard, possibly a descendant of the first Tancred.

The Flemish presence, reputed to result from floods in the Low Countries, was more likely to have consisted initially of Flemish mercenaries originally in the invading army of William the Conqueror, who in reward for their part in William's victory were granted lands in parts of Northern Britain, and in Wales in the Gower, and Geraldus Cambrensis recorded their presence in the Hundred of Roose in Pembrokeshire.

Post-medieval

During the English Civil War, the burgesses of the borough supported Parliament, while the ruling gentry were Royalist. As a result, there was considerable conflict, and the town changed hands five times. There followed a period of stagnation in which the comparative status of the town declined. Haverfordwest today has the air of a typical small country market town, but the centre still conveys the feel of the important mediaeval borough. The once run-down riverside area has been renovated and Bridge Street has been pedestrianised and improved.

Haverfordwest was bombed for the first time during the Second World War on 24 September 1940. The City Road and New Road areas were hit, although there had been little preparation and no warning siren sounded. There were no casualties.

VII. Culture

Sports and leisure

Haverfordwest County play association football in the Cymru Premier (the top tier of Welsh football) at Bridge Meadow Stadium, while Merlins Bridge play in the local Pembrokeshire League. Haverfordwest RFC, which formed in 1885, play rugby union at their Pembroke Road ground, and Haverfordwest Cricket Club play at Dale Road. In 2009, Haverfordwest's sports and leisure provision benefited from significant investment, with the opening of a new ￡8 million leisure centre situated at St. Thomas Green.

The kayaking club venture to sea as well as using the rivers. Haverfordwest High VC School benefits from a wide range of sporting facilities, including a purpose-built sports centre with a hockey pitch, artificial turf and a full-sized athletics track.

Education

·Haverfordwest Grammar School, 1488–1978, was for a period in the 20th century one of only two public schools in Wales.

·Haverfordwest High VC School, an English-medium secondary school, was formed in 2018 by the merger of Sir Thomas Picton School and Tasker Milward School.

·Pembrokeshire College, an affiliated college of the University of Glamorgan, is situated in the Merlin's Bridge suburb of the town. The college serves as the principal centre of further and higher education in Pembrokeshire.

·Ysgol Caer Elen, a Welsh-medium school for pupils aged 3 to 16, opened in 2018, replacing Ysgol Gymraeg Glan Cleddau. The new school cost ￡28 million to build and has the capacity for 315 primary and 600 secondary pupils. The nursery has the capacity for 45 children.

·Redhill Preparatory School is an independent school established in 2001 which includes a Montessori learning component for younger pupils

·Waldo Williams Primary School opened in 2019, combining the former Mt Airey and Haverfordwest Church in Wales VC schools. It is named after the poet Waldo Williams (1904–1971).

VIII. Other information

Under the Local Government Act 1888, an elected county council was set up to take over the functions of the Pembrokeshire Quarter Sessions. This and the administrative county of Pembrokeshire were abolished under the Local Government Act 1972, with Pembrokeshire forming two districts of the new county of Dyfed: South Pembrokeshire and Preseli – the split being made at the request of local authorities in the area. In 1996, under the Local Government (Wales) Act 1994, the county of Dyfed was broken up into its constituent parts, and Pembrokeshire has been a unitary authority since then. In 2017 Pembrokeshire County Council had 60 members and no political party in overall control; there were 34 independent councillors. In 2009, the question of county names and Royal Mail postal addresses was raised in the Westminster parliament; it was argued that Royal Mail's continued use of the county address Dyfed was causing concern and confusion in the Pembrokeshire business community. In 2018, Pembrokeshire County Council increased council tax by 12.5 per cent, the largest increase since 2004, but the county's council tax remains the lowest in Wales.

The Pembrokeshire (Communities) Order 2011 established the most recent arrangement of communities (the successors to civil parishes) in the county which have their own councils; see the foot of this page for a list of communities.

Since 2010, Pembrokeshire has returned two Conservative MPs to the Parliament of the United Kingdom at Westminster: Stephen Crabb for Preseli Pembrokeshire and Simon Hart for South Pembrokeshire which is represented jointly with West Carmarthenshire. The corresponding Members of the Senedd (MSs) returned to the Senedd (Welsh Parliament) in Cardiff are Paul Davies and Angela Burns respectively, both Conservatives.

Pembrokeshire is served by the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.

IX. Contact information

Mayor/Officer: Sue Murray

Tel: 01437 768092

Mail: hip.trust@tiscali.co.uk

Reference Website:

https://www.facebook.com/HwestTownCouncil/posts/the-mayor-of-haverfordwest-cllr-mrs-sue-murray-and-her-consort-mr-paul-murray-we/398341294059755/

https://haverfordwesttown.co.uk/town-council/councillors/