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Haverfordwest (Welsh: Hwlffordd) is a small market town in south-west Wales. It forms an important road network hub between other towns in Pembrokeshire such as Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard.

Topography
Haverfordwest serves as the market town for most of Pembrokeshire. It forms an important road network hub between other towns in Pembrokeshire such as Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, Fishguard and St David's, as a result of its position at the tidal limit of the Western Cleddau river. 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.

History
The name of the town means "ford used by bucks" from Old English h�far=he-goat, buck. The added "west" distinguished it from the originally-identical Hertford in England. In local dialect, it is pronounced "haffad". The Welsh name is said by Charles to be "merely a corruption of the English name", and as such has no meaning in Welsh.

It seems certain that such an obvious strategic location would have been settled in some way from the earliest times. However, there is no documentary or archaeological evidence for the existance of a settlement on the site before the twelfth century, when the first Norman castle was established. This occurred around 1110. It was constructed by Tancred, a Flemish marcher lord. The town rapidly grew up, initially around Haverfordwest Castle and St Martin's church (the settlement being called Castletown), then spreading into the High Street area. It became immediately the capital of the English colony of Roose (part of Little England beyond Wales), and because of its pivotal position, the commercial centre of western Dyfed, which it has remained to this day. In common with other British towns, its growth was meteoric during the period up to 1300, and its extent by then was much the same as it was in the early 19th century. That being the case, its population was probably around 4-5000 - a large town by the standards of the time. It received its first marcher charter from William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke some time between 1213 and 1219, and obtained the lucrative trading privileges of an English borough. It traded both by land and sea, and had a busy tidal quay on the river below the "New" bridge. At least ten guilds operated, and there was significant woollen cloth manufacture. On 30 April 1479, the town was designated a county corporate by a charter of Edward, Prince of Wales, with the aim of supporting a campaign against piracy in local waters. It shared this distinction only with Carmarthen and a few towns in England, and remained officially "The Town and County of Haverfordwest" until the abolition of the borough in 1974.

In common with other large towns in Europe, Haverfordwest was hit hard by the Black Death in 1348, suffering both depopulation (perhaps by more than 50%) and diminution of trade. Large parts of the town were abandoned, and did not start to recover until the Tudor period. At the end of the seventeenth centur, the town was still significantly smaller than in 1300. In 1405, the town was burned by the French allies of Owain Glyndŵr, although in its early history Haverfordwest suffered less than most towns in Wales from such depredations.

During the 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[6]. 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 medieval borough. The badly run-down riverside area has been renovated and Bridge Street has been pedestrianised, so the area now affords pleasant walks and interesting shops.

Culturally, the town has always been essentially English in language and sentiment, but because the town markets traded the goods of Welsh farmers to the north and east, there has always been a significant Welsh-speaking minority, and the air of a "frontier" town. The suburb of Prendergast seems to have originated as an extra-mural Welsh dormitory, dating from the times when all agricultural trade had to pass through the borough, but no Welshman was allowed within the walls after nightfall. Prendergast is still significantly more Welsh in nature than the town proper.

Culture
Haverfordwest hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1972.

Christian Bale who played Batman in Batman Begins, was born in Haverfordwest in 1974.

Suggs, the lead singer of Madness attended Haverfordwest Grammar School for Boys from 1977 to 1978.

Picture Frame Seduction, one of the pioneers of early hardcore punk rock in the UK, formed in the town at the local Sir Thomas Picton School (named after the general Sir Thomas Picton) in 1978.

Gruff Rhys, singer of Indie rock band Super Furry Animals was born here.

June and Jennifer Gibbons, the selective mute twins, whose story gained international interest after Marjorie Wallace documented their story, lived in Haverfordwest for much of their childhood

Simon Davies footballer who plays in midfield for Everton and Wales was born here in 1979


 Trains: Haverfordwest is on the West Wales Line


 Libraries:
 Haverfordwest Library
       Dew Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1SU
 01437 775244
 Mon 9.30am-5:00pm
       Tue 9.30am-7:00pm
       Wed 9.30am-5:00pm
       Thur 9.30am-5:00pm 
       Fri 9.30am-7:00pm
       Sat 9.30am-1:00pm


 Cinemas:
 Palace
       Upper Market Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1NH
 01437 767675


 Arts:
 Nant Y Coy Arts
       The Watermill
       Treffgarne Gorge
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 5LR
 01437 741671
 http://www.nantycoy.co.uk


 Farmers Markets:
 Haverfordwest Farmers Market
       Riverside Shopping
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2LJ
 Friday fortnightly 9:00am-3:00pm
 01437 776 168
 http://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/content.asp?id=4891&nav=123,176&parent_directory_id=105


 Cricket:
 Haverfordwest Cricket Club
       Dale Road
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1HZ
 01437 763615


 Golf:
 Haverfordwest Golf Club
       Narberth Road
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2XQ
 01437 763565


 Football: Haverfordwest County FC


 Rugby:
 Haverfordwest RFC
       Pembroke Road
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1LY
 01437 762832


 Museums:
 Haverfordwest Town Museum
       Castle Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2EF
 01437 763087

 Pembrokeshire Motor Museum


 Vets:
 The Oak Veterinary Group
       Clarbeston Road
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA63 4UH
 01437 731327

 Fenton Veterinary Practice
       21 Portfield
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1BN
 01437 762806

 The Oak Veterinary Group
       Prendergast Place Farm
       Well Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2PL
 01437 76011


 Tourist Information Centre

 Telephone:

01437 763110

 Fax:

01437 767738

 Email:

[email protected]

 Address:

Old Bridge
Haverfordwest
Pembrokeshire
SA61 2EZ

 Hours:

Summer Monday - Saturday  10:00 - 17:30
Winter
Monday - Saturday  10:00 - 16:00


 Pubs/Bars:
 Bar Charly
       Dark Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2DS
 01437760718

 Bellevue
       Portfield
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1BS
 01437 762128

 The Boot & Shoe
       Crundale
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA62 4DQ
 01437 767116

 Bridgend Hotel
       Bridgend Square
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2ND

 The Bristol Trader
       Quay Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1BE
 01437 762122

 Bull Inn
       108 Prendergast
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2PP
 01437 762047

 Carmarthen Arms
       Cartlett Road
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2LY
 01437 763461

 The Castle Hotel
       Castle Square
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2AA

 Charlies Sports Bar
       1-2 Dark Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2BW
 01437 760718

 The County Hotel
       Salutation Square
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2NB

 The Cross Inn
       Hayscastle
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 5PR

 Dragon Inn
       Hill Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1QE
 01437 766122

 Farmers Arms
       Holloway
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2JL
 01437 762432

 Fishguard Arms
       Old Bridge
       Haverfordwest.
       Dyfed
       SA61 2EZ
 01437 768123

 Friars Vaults
       5 Castle Square
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2AB
 01437 766869

 Glen Fiddichs
       Merlins Hill
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1XA
 01437 760070

 Gloucester Arms
       13 Glousters Pub Mariners Square
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2DT
 014377 68593

 Greyhound Hotel
       Mariners Square
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2DT
 01437 762171

 Horse & Groom
       70 Prendergast
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2PP
 01437 768276

 Hotel Mariners
       Mariners Square
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2DT

 Laura's Bar
       13 Quay Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1BG
 01437 760680

 The Kings Arms
       23 Dew Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1ST
 01437 763726

 The Milford Arms
       Cartlett
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2LH
       01437 767288

 The Oak Inn
       Lexton Terrace
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1QT
 01437 766448

 Olde Three Crowns
       High Street
       Haverfordwest.
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2BN
 01437764613

 Pelcombe Inn
       Pelcomb Cross
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 6AA

 Pembroke House Hotel
       Spring Gardens
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2EJ

 The Pembroke Yeoman
       11 Hill Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1QQ
 01437 762500

 Railway Inn
       St Peters Road
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 3PR

 The Rising Sun Inn
       Pelcomb Bridge
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA62 6EA
 01437 765171

 Stonemasons Arms
       69 Merlins Hill
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1PE
 01437 762737

 Time Square
       High Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2BN

 Warpool Court Hotel
       Holloway
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2JL

 Wilton House Hotel
       6 Wilton House Cafe Quay Street
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 1BG


 Hotels:
 Bridgend Hotel
       Bridgend Square
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2ND
 01437 767863

 The County Hotel
       Salutation Square
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2NB
 01437 762144

 Hotel Mariners
       Mariners Square
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2DU
 01437 763353

 The Pembroke House Hotel
       6-7 Spring Gardens
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2EJ
 01437 779622

 Wilton House Hotel
       6 Quay Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1BG
 01437 760033


 B&B's/Guesthouses
 The Bower Farm B&B
       Little Haven
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 3TY
 01437 781554
 [email protected]
 http://www.bowerfarm.co.uk/index.html

 Plaindealings B&B
       Towerhill
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA65 9LA 
 01348 873655
 01348 873655

 Bali-Hai B&B
       Grassholm Close
       Roch
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 6AL 
 01437 710458
 01437 710458

 College Guest House
       93 Hill Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1QL
 01437 763710

 Cuffern Manor Country House B&B
       Roch
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 6HB 
 01437 710071
 [email protected]
 http://www.cuffernmanor.co.uk
 

 Deblyn Guest House
       Hill Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1QH
 01437 764219

 Penrhiwllan Guest House
       Well Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA61 2PL 
 01437 769049
 [email protected]

 Lower Druidston Farm B&B
       Druidston
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 3NE 
 01437 781318
 [email protected]

 Pen yr Olmarch B&B
       Trefin
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 5AL 
 01348 837857
 http://www.penyrolmarch.com
 


 Campsites/Carvans
       Ginger Hill
       Poyston Cross
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA624EB
 01437 731777
 01437 731777

 South Cockett Caravan And Camping Park
       Broadway
       Little Haven
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 3TU
 01437 781296

 Creampots Caravan And Camping Park
       Broadway
       Broad Haven
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 3TU
 01437 781 776
 http://www.creampots.co.uk/

 Scamford Caravan Park
       Keeston
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 6HN
 01437 710304
 http://www.scamford.com/

 Brandy Brook Caravan & Camping Park
       Rhyndaston
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 5PT
 01348 840272

 Hasguard Cross Caravan Park
       Little Haven
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 3SL
 01437 781443
 01437 781443
 http://www.hasguardcross.co.uk/

 Nolton Cross Caravan Park
       Nolton Cross
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 3NP
 01437 710701
 http://www.noltoncross-holidays.co.uk/

 Newgale Camping Site
       Wood Farm
       Newgale
       Haverfordwest
       Pembrokeshire
       SA62 6AR
 01437 710253
 01437 710253
 http://www.newgalecampingsite.co.uk/


 Restaurants:
 Dragon & Pearl (Chinese)
       Swan Square
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed, SA61 2AN
 01437 763295

 The George's
       24 Market Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1NH
 01437 766683

 Maharaja Tandoori (Indian)
       1 Market Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1NF
 01437 760645

 The Old Cottage Pizza Co
       7a Dew Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1ST
 01437 767070

 Taj Mahal (Indian)
       2 Milford Road
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1PJ
 01437 763610


 Cafes:
 Alexanders
       42a Bridge Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2AD
 01437 760144

 Dylans
       23 High Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2BW
 01437 769753

 Mumperr
       25 High Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2BW
 01437 767017

 Oldbridge Cafe
       1A Old Bridge
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2EZ
 01437 769453

 The Old Smithy Cafe
       2 Bridge Meadow Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2EX
 01437 767028

 Spirals Bistro
       Riverside Arcade
       Bridge Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2AL
 01437 769910

 Wimpy
       5 Riverside Quay
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2LJ
 01437 766355


 Take Aways:
 American Pizza
       43 Cartlett
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2LH
 01437 760533

 The Bruncherie
       12 Victoria Place
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2QE
 01437 779400

 Chip Inn (Fish and Chips)
       67 Prendergast
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2PF
 01437 760607

 Coronation Chippy (Fish and Chips)
       Back Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2QY
 01437 762049

 Haverfordwest Tandoori (Indian)
       5 Snowdrop Park
       Snowdrop Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1JF
 01437 760601

 King Kebab Burger
       39 High Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2BW
 01437 769545

 McDonald's Restaurants Ltd
       Mill Lane
       Merlins Bridge
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1XB
 01437 769513

 Mr Bite Takeaway
       3 High Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2BW
 01437 766786

 Old Cottage Fishbar (Fish and Chips)
       86 Portfield
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1BT
 01437 768512

 Pablo's
       4 Dew Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1NJ
 01437 760197

 Portfield
       51 Portfield
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1BS
 01437 765642


 Children:
 Jolly Jumper (Nursery)
       4-6 Haven Road
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1DX
 01437 764215

 Little Darlings (Nursery)
       9 Castle High
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2SP
 01437 768843

 Prendergast Kids Club
       Prendergast
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2PE
 01437 769060

 Stepping Stones (Nursery)
       18a Bush Row
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1RJ
 01437 760301

 Tots Pre-School Nursery
       Bilton Cottage
       North Gate
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2HN
 01437 768884


 Misc:
 Balfour Conservative Club
       3 Quay Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1BG
 01437 762576

 Eddies (Snooker Hall)
       4 Quay Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1BG
 01437 779595

 Haverfordwest Bowling Club
       The Parade
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1TP
 01437 766857

 Haverfordwest Labour Club
       61 Dew Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1SY
 01437 764072

 Haverfordwest Public Swimming Pool
       Dew Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1ST
 01437 764354

 Haverfordwest Services Club
       Quay Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1AA
 01437 762138

 Royal Naval Association
       88 Dew Street
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1NR
 01437 766975

 Snow Drop Bar (Social Club)
       Snowdrop Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1ET
 01437 763866


 Taxis
 Acab
       26 Jockey Fields
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2PN
 01437 764001

 Adrians Taxis
       24 Laburnum Grove
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1EU
 01437 762299

 Barrys Taxis
       17 Snowdrop Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1JD
 01437 766362

 Celtic Cabs
       29 Jenkins Close
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1LH
 01437 767332

 David A Jones
       40 Scotchwell Caravan Site
       Uzmaston
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2XF
 01437 768851

 Gardiners Taxis
       17 Snowdrop Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1JD
 01437 760569

 HC Cabs
       18 Merlins Avenue
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1JS
 01437 762634

 Paul's Taxis
       32 Barn St
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1TG
 01437 764050

 Pembrokeshire Discovery
       36 Castle View
       Simpson Cross
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA62 6EN
 01437 710720

 Preseli Taxis
       Bilton Cottage
       Northgate
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2HN
 01437 766742

 Roch Taxis
       54 Hawthorn Rise
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 2BB
 01437 710889

 Waynes Taxis
       17 Snowdrop Lane
       Haverfordwest
       Dyfed
       SA61 1JD
 01437 769989



 

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This Month

June 1st

Jonathan Price (actor) born 1947 in Holywell

June 7th

Tom Jones
(singer) born in Woodward in Pontypridd 1940

June 14th

Rowan Williams
(Archbishop of Canterbury) born 1950 in Swansea


June 29th

Katherine Jenkins
(singer) born 1980 in Neath