Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire
Dylan Moore · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Name	Pembrokeshire
Population	122,400
Area	1,618 km²
Capital	Haverfordwest

Pembrokeshire is a county located in the southwest of Wales, bordered by Carmarthenshire to the east, Ceredigion to the northeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The county is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Wales, attracting visitors from London, Bristol, and Cardiff. The county town of Haverfordwest is a hub for commerce and industry, with connections to Fishguard, Pembroke Dock, and Milford Haven. The region is also known for its historic sites, such as Pembroke Castle, which has been associated with William Marshal, Richard de Clare, and Llywelyn the Great.

Geography

Pembrokeshire's geography is characterized by its rugged coastline, which stretches for over 180 miles, featuring popular beaches like Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Newgale. The county is also home to several islands, including Skomer Island, Skokholm Island, and Ramsey Island, which are known for their wildlife and natural beauty, attracting visitors from Oxford University, Cambridge University, and the Royal Society. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a popular hiking trail that runs along the coast, offering stunning views of the Celtic Sea and the surrounding landscape, which has been shaped by the Ice Age and the Holocene era. The county's diverse geography has also been influenced by the River Cleddau, which flows through Haverfordwest and Milford Haven, and the River Teifi, which forms the border with Ceredigion.

History

Pembrokeshire has a rich and varied history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Mesolithic era, as seen in the archaeological sites at Pembrey, Llanmill, and Stackpole. The county was an important center for the Viking invasions of Wales, with the Viking Age leaving a lasting legacy in the region, as evident in the Norse place names and the Viking artifacts found in Pembroke Castle and the National Museum of Wales. The county was also a key location during the Norman Conquest of England, with William the Conqueror and his allies, including Robert Fitzhamon and Rhys ab Tewdwr, playing a significant role in shaping the region's history. The county has also been associated with notable historical figures, such as Gerald of Wales, Hywel Dda, and Owain Glyndŵr, who have all left their mark on the region.

Economy

The economy of Pembrokeshire is diverse, with a range of industries, including agriculture, fishing, and tourism, which are supported by organizations like the National Farmers' Union, the Fishing Industry Association, and Visit Wales. The county is home to several major employers, including Valero Energy, Dragon LNG, and Pembroke Power Station, which are located in Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock. The region is also known for its creative industries, with a thriving arts scene, as evident in the Pembrokeshire Arts Festival, which features works by local artists, including Kyffin Williams, Graham Sutherland, and Augustus John. The county's economy has also been influenced by its historic trade links with Ireland, France, and Spain, with the Port of Milford Haven and the Port of Fishguard playing a significant role in the region's maritime trade.

Culture

Pembrokeshire has a unique and vibrant culture, with a strong sense of community and a rich cultural heritage, as evident in the Pembrokeshire Folk Museum and the Torch Theatre. The county is home to several festivals and events, including the Pembrokeshire Fish Week, the Tenby Arts Festival, and the Pembrokeshire County Show, which celebrate the region's music, art, and literature, featuring performances by artists like Bryn Terfel, Aled Jones, and Cerys Matthews. The region is also known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes like Welsh rarebit, Bara brith, and Laverbread, which are often served at local restaurants and cafes, such as The Grove and The Plantagenet. The county's culture has been influenced by its historic links with Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, with the Celtic heritage of the region being celebrated through events like the Pembrokeshire Celtic Festival.

Tourism

Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of Pembrokeshire, with visitors attracted to the region's natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural events, such as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Pembroke Castle, and the Tenby Arts Festival. The county is home to several popular tourist destinations, including Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Newgale, which offer a range of activities, including hiking, surfing, and sailing, as well as attractions like the Oakwood Theme Park and the Folly Farm Adventure Park. The region is also known for its historic sites, such as Carew Castle, Manorbier Castle, and Pembroke Castle, which are managed by organizations like Cadw and the National Trust. Visitors to the region can also explore the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which offers stunning views of the Celtic Sea and the surrounding landscape, and visit the Skomer Island and Skokholm Island, which are known for their wildlife and natural beauty.

Government

Pembrokeshire is a unitary authority, with the Pembrokeshire County Council being responsible for the governance of the county, which is divided into several electoral divisions, including Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, and Pembroke Dock. The county is also represented in the National Assembly for Wales by the Pembrokeshire constituency, which is held by Paul Davies, and in the UK Parliament by the Pembrokeshire constituency, which is held by Stephen Crabb. The region is also part of the Dyfed-Powys Police force area and the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service area, which are responsible for law enforcement and fire safety in the county. The county's governance has also been influenced by its historic links with Cardiff, Swansea, and Carmarthen, with the Welsh Government playing a significant role in shaping the region's policies and initiatives.