A little known fact but interesting, nevertheless: Sir John Perrot, knight,one-time citizen of Haverfordwest, is said to be the true (illegitimate) son of of Henry V111.

Born in Haroldston, Haverfordwest, John Perrot's mother wasMary, the beautifuldaughter of Lord Berkeley and the wife of the ageing Thomas Perrot. They lived in Haroldston Mansion,said to be one of the loveliest houses in Pembrokeshire.

When he was nineteen, John Perrot took his place at the court of Henry V111, whom he closely resembled; there he proved to be a great favourite.

Perrot receivedhis knighthood from Edward V1.

During the reign of 'Bloody Mary', he had to be discreet, for it was known he sheltered heretics at Haroldston.

In 1583, Sir John was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, where he ruled with characteristic brutality, until his half-sister,Elizabeth 1, intervened.

Sir John was Sheriff of the Port of Haverfordwest at a time when piracy was rife. He developed a cavalierattitude to the pirates' ill gotten gains, accepting a share of the booty. Taking his lead from hismaster, one oldretainer requisitioned a ton of Gascon wineforSir John's pleasure.

Encouraged by Sir John's example, three Mayors of the townaccepted gifts from the pirates. This was an abuse of power and it was in vain that Vice Admiral Vaughan triedto stop their activities but, withnoforces of law and order to back him,he was left powerless.

A row of cottagesstill standing in the town are dedicated to Sir John, Haverfordwest's most famous benefactor.The image he leaves is that of a benevolent despot, but his temper was uncertain and he was fond of threatening people with execution. This led one old servant to slit his own throat, so terrified of his threats was he.

Sir John's end was ignominious and he died in the Tower of London.

'Those who live by the sword shall die by the sword', applied in his case.