Pembrokeshire has been called 'Gwlad yr Hud' and this description could be applied to Fishguard, or Abergwaun, (mouth of the river), as it is known in Welsh.

Norsemen came to Fishguard in the eleventh century (the Nordic 'guard' meaning a yard).

In the lower part of the townthe River Gwaun flows into the sea. This was the old fishing village, wherefamiliessurvived largely onherring during hard winters.

The sea has played an important part in the every day life of the people of Fishguard. Until 1650, Pembrokeshire suffered greatly from piracy. Welsh pirates haunted the Irish Sea and were dreaded by many. They had no shame about coming ashore and sellingtheir ill-gotten gains, such as rum, silk and spices on the open market. Piracy was not brough to an enduntil the Napoleonic Wars, when ships of the Royal Navy regularly patrolled the seas.

In 1803, the historian Malkin, wrote: 'The town of Fiscard is so filthy, so ill built, and so uncivilized, as almost to be interesting'. And again: 'The habit of intoxication is very prevalent . . . the people from the country are sober and decent. I would, however, recommend travellers to avoid a night here'.

On August 30th, 1909, the liner 'Mauretania' called at Fishguard Harbour on its voyage from New York to Liverpool. Ithad taken justfive days to reach Fishguard.When it was sighted from Strumble Head a telephone message alerted Fishguard Harbour and it arrived twenty five minutes later.

Guns fired a salute, the Pembroke Dock Brass Band played, the Territorial Army marched and the crowds lining Pencw cheered. Eight ladies in Welsh costume presented each passenger with a posy of lucky heather and the first passenger to emerge was Mr Jenkin Evans, a native of Lampeter, who had lived in Kansas City for forty three years. I'm sure he shed a tear.

That night there was a carnival and fireworks display and local children were presented with commemorative mugs.

Sadly hopes that a regular Trans-Atlantic sevice would develop never came to fruition.