Historic Pembroke Town

The town of Pembroke is steeped in history, and probably best known as the birthplace of Henry VII – born Henry Tudor – who was born at Pembroke Castle in 1457.

Dating back to the 11th century when Arnulf of Mongomery raised an earth and timber fortification on the banks of the Pembroke River. Although something of an outpost, it was considered to be of sufficient strategic value to justify progressive strengthening over the next 150 years, the first stone structure on the site dating from the middle of the 13th Century. William de Valence, one time Mayor of Pembroke, is thought to have been responsible for girdling the town with walls at some time during this period.

The town’s centerpiece is its magnificent Norman castle, standing proudly at the head of a rocky ridge and surrounded on three sides by water. It is one of the finest and best-preserved strongholds in the country. Main Street, which runs the length of the old town, is ideal for strolling and browsing. There are several interesting Tudor and Georgian houses, two historic churches, and a pleasant mixture of shops, pubs, cafes, and restaurants.

Within easy reach of Pembroke are the resorts of Tenby and Saundersfoot; the historic and revitalised dockyard towns of Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven; the castles of Manorbier and Carew; the magnificent beaches of the South Pembrokeshire Coastline; the popular market town of Narberth; the picturesque 24 mile Haven Waterway, and, of course, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

The old county town and surrounding villages and holiday boltholes are great places to explore, making Pembroke one of the prime holiday locations in West Wales.