Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
Haverfordwest local area guide
Picture shown above: Landscape view of Saint James Manorbier Parish Church
Haverfordwest is the county town of Pembrokeshire in south west Wales, and is also the second largest town in the county. Situated on the River Cleddau, Haverfordwest is an important market town for the county and serves as a hub to trade and transport between the towns of Milford Haven, Fishguard and St. Davids.
Haverfordwest is largely made up of four ancient parishes and the Augustinian priory. St Martin’s parish includes the Norman castle and surrounding settlement to the north of the river. South of the river, the High Street runs through St. Mary’s, and St. Thomas’ parishes is found further south still.
History of Haverfordwest
The name Haverfordwest is thought to derive from the old English for ‘ford used by cows’ or heifers. The town grew rapidly southwards from the existing settlement near the castle into the 1300s, when it was home to 5,000 residents. More than half of the population was thought to suffer from the Black Death in 1348, which left large parts of the town abandoned until the Tudor period. It remains a largely English speaking town, thought to be as a result of trading links between Welsh farmers selling goods in north and east England.
Transport
Haverfordwest is on the West Wales Railway line, which connects the town to Swansea through Fishguard and Pembury. The town is connected by A roads to Carmarthen, Fishguard and St. Davids.
Education
Haverfordwest has a mixture of Welsh and English speaking schools, offering a good selection for families. Nearby schools include Ysgol Glan Cleddau, a Welsh speaking primary school, Fenton and Tasker-Milward schools. Nearby Pembrokeshire College has a wide range of post-16 educational courses. Portfield Special School is open to children with learning disabilities.
Property in Haverfordwest
There is a good selection of property in Haverfordwest suitable for families and first time buyers alike. Please see our Haverfordwest property page to view a range of three bedroom houses at Greendale Place.
Do you live in Haverfordwest?
We would love to hear from you. Please email us your comments to haverfordwest@annington.co.uk.