Some nine hundred years or so ago hundreds of landless people, migrants fleeing the flooded Low Countries on the Continent made their way, at the invitation of King Henry I of England , to seek a new life in the south-west corner of Wales. We will never know whether they sailed up the Haven or made the perilous journey across south Wales; what we do know is that these Flemings, who originated in modern Belgium were intend in making a home in a strange land. Their leader, the redoubtable Tancard or Tancred, selected a rocky bluff high over the River Cleddau and here they built their first stronghold in around 1110 with rudimentary wooden walls and defensive ditches. Thus was founded the town of Haverfordwest.
From these mysterious beginnings very few documents survive. Nevertheless they frame a timeline of people, places and events which culminates in 2010 with the 900th anniversary of the town.
The 2010 celebrations will be a most memorable year of events right through the twelve months and all tastes and interests will be catered for. Many town associations and societies will be playing their part in helping to organise events for which the 900 Committee are truly appreciative. The anniversary is an opportunity to look back with pride but also to a bright future full of confidence for Pembrokeshire County Town.
Haverfordwest 900 T shirts and Sweatshirts are available from Westcoast Clothing (Tel 01437 769003 or 01646 699337) or Horizon Promotional Products (Tel 01437 765388)
EVENTS
All Year - Castle to be Floodlit
| JAN |
3rd |
Commemorative Service |
| |
29th |
Sheriffs Supper |
| FEB |
12th |
Talk - Edwardian Haverfordwest |
| MAR |
1st |
Dragon Walking |
| |
27th |
Combined Schools Concert |
| APR |
11th |
Castle Tour and Talk |
| |
14th |
Presentation of medals to the Signals Regiment |
| |
17th |
Landsker Singers Concert |
| MAY |
TBC |
Writers Workshop |
| |
1st |
Cleddau Lacemakers Open Day |
| JUN |
11th |
Medieval Night |
| |
12th |
Haverfordwest Green Fayre |
| |
24th |
Walking Treasure Hunt |
| |
26th |
Forces Day |
| LATE |
JUN |
Commemorative Stone to be unveiled in Castle grounds |
| JUL |
3rd-10th |
Long Boat Racing |
| |
10th |
Tug-of-War Championships |
| |
10th |
Medieval Family Day |
| |
23rd-25th |
Dathlaid Castleton Concerts |
| AUG |
21st |
Gala Barbeque |
| |
28th-30th |
Beer, Cider and Local Produce Festival |
| SEPT |
2nd-9th |
Haverfordwest Ghost Walks |
| |
10th |
Glan Cleddau Dancers Concert |
| |
18th |
Celebratory Gentlemen Singers Gala Concert with Roy Noble |
| |
25th |
Coracle Racing |
| |
26th |
Quiz Crawl |
| NOV |
TBC |
Artists Workshop |
| DEC |
18th |
Walking Carol Concert |
If you are interested in organising an event, please contact the Town Clerks office on 01437 763771. For more information on the events shown above, visit www.haverfordwesttown.co.uk/haverfordwest900.asp