A NEW heritage trail that takes readers on a historical tour of Haverfordwest will be launched today (Friday).

Put together by Haverfordwest Civic Society, the 50-page guide aims to shed a light on the town’s history to inform both residents and visitors.

The text was written by historian Mark Muller and features tales from the Priory Ruins, Haverfordwest Castle and Foley House among others.

“Twenty years ago Haverfordwest Civic Society compiled a Blue Plaque Trail that allowed both visitors and residents to follow the extensive number of plaques that adorned countless buildings,” said Mark.

“The decision taken to publish a new trail was due so many of the blue plaques or the buildings on which they were placed having disappeared.

“There has been such a change in the townscape that it was felt that there was the need for a new heritage guide.”

The new guide has cost £4,500 to produce, with Pembrokeshire County Council contributing 60 per cent with the remainder from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Artist Paula Tynon was commissioned to provide the illustrations that flow throughout the book and graphic designer Jayne Minter did the layout.

The trail takes a minimum of two hours to complete, although it is possible to do it in stages. There is also a quiz included at each of the stops.

Haverfordwest Civic Society’s AGM will take place from 7.30pm this evening at the Picton Centre, during which Mark Muller will give a presentation about the publication.

There will also be copies available to purchase.

Chairman of Haverfordwest Civic Society, Dave Harries, said: “In producing this booklet we hope to guide visitors on a walk that will introduce them to some of the key buildings and features of our town.

“Our goal is to explain how these have contributed to the history of Haverfordwest and have given it such a unique character.

“We hope as well to remind local people of the special features of Haverfordwest that are so often overlooked, to encourage them to take pride in their town, and to fight to preserve it.”

The Haverfordwest Heritage Trail costs £3.99 and will be available to buy from Victoria Bookshop in Haverfordwest.