The Welsh Port Books show that imported goods were vital to Haverfordwest's economy.

Salt, coal and iron were among the most needed commodities.

Captain Franciscus Antonio deposited a cargo of 12 tons of salt and ten tons of iron into the port on September 13th, 1550, on board the 'Sanctus Sebastian'. More salt arrived on St Stephen's Day, December 26, 1551, when 'Le Germagus', captained by Pers Consalvys, delivered 66 tons of salt.

Salt was importantto flavour food and curebacon and herrings, for consumption during the winter months.

On November 17th, 1550, the 'Leonardo de Pardo', captained by John Spyndola, delivered a cargo of 50 butts of Malmsey wine, which must have added a sparkle to winter nights in Haverfordwest.

Roger Marcrosse, a merchant of the town, commissioned the 'Le James of Milford', captained by Owen Ffollond, to import a cargo of coal, which was bought by the wealthier townspeople.

The port continued to be busy well into the nineteenth century. On one occasion, at the beginning of the century, when sailing ships were still dependent on wind, boats bound for Haverfordwest were becalmed for six weeks and salt had to be brought overland from Carmarthen.

Trade with Bristol was extensive andeach week, a steamer left Haverfordwest for Bristol. In 1852, Bristol Bills of Entry show forty four shipments of butter and sixteen shipments of cheese, many from Haverfordwest.

One area of the docks in Bristol where Welsh ships tied up became known as the 'Welsh Back'.

John Phillips Esq of Haverfordwest kept an account book showing that between 1839 and 1845 he received household goods from Bristol, London and Liverpool.