Pembroke and Pembroke Dock (From Western Telegraph)

Pembroke and Pembroke Dock

Although the towns of Pembroke and Pembroke Dock are often lumped together, they are as historically different as they are geographically close.

Pembroke has a 900-year varied history, while Pembroke Dock is a relative baby, originating as a tiny coastal village called Paterchurch in the 19th century.

The town of Pembroke was built around its impressive Norman castle, which still dominates the skyline today. The fortress, dating back to 1090, was the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty and victor at the battle of Bosworth. It has undergone a great deal of renovation and is now a wonderful place to visit - hosting events and attractions, plays and displays all year round. It is also open to be explored. From the castle, exceptional, breath-taking views can be enjoyed.

Once a major market centre for the county, Pembroke is still a great place for shopping. The fine Georgian houses along Main Street interact well with the many and varied shops, and places to eat and drink.

Much of the 13th century town wall is still intact, separating the long medieval Main Street from later development. The castle itself is among the county's finest - it was an inspiration to the great artist Turner on one of his tours of Wales.

Pembroke's Mill Pond, once a moat which helped keep Oliver Cromwell and his army at bay in the siege of 1648, protects the town on its north and west boundaries, and provides a lovely area to walk and relax.

Pembroke's younger neighbour, Pembroke Dock boasts a famous dockyard, which is now a main Pembrokeshire centre for crossing the Irish Sea from its ferry terminal.

The dockyard is at the centre of Pembroke Dock's past, since the Admiralty moved its shipbuilding facilities there from Milford Haven in 1814. After shipbuilding left the town, it was replaced with the building of aircraft.

Today, along with the ferry terminal, boating and watersports can also be enjoyed there. The coming of the Cleddau toll bridge, linking the north of the county with the south, boosted the fortunes of the town.

Among the many attractions in Pembroke Dock is the Gun Tower Museum, preserving much of Pembrokeshire's military history.

Near to Pembroke and Pembroke Dock, the impressive ruins of the Bishops of St Davids Palace at Lamphey are to be found. They date back to the 14th century. Although falling into decay in the 1600s, its gatehouse and arcading are still preserved.

Monkton, to the west of Pembroke, was the site of a Priory. Some of its buildings dating back to Norman times can still be seen.