Milford Haven, PembrokeshireMilford Haven, Pembrokeshire
Milford Haven is one of the finest harbours in Europe. It is about 11 miles long, covers about 20 square miles, and can be entered at all states of the tide by the largest vessels. Until the opening of the Fishguard rail route, New Milford, or Neyland as it is now called, was the port from which the former Great Western Railway maintained regular steam communication with Ireland. On the northern side of the Haven is the town of Milford with its picturesque scenery, stirring historic associations, important fishing and transport interests and excellent recreational facilities, is at once one of the most popular holiday resorts and fishing ports in West Wales. It is rapidly becoming a yachting centre of note; it enjoys a mild climate at all seasons, thanks to its southerly aspect and sheltered position.
The history of Milford Haven itself is of interest. Chief point of embarkation for Ireland for centuries, it has sheltered the vessels of Norwegian and Irish pirates, Dutch refugees, English kings, and Georgian traders. Earl Strongbow set out from here in 1167, King Henry II in 1171, Richard II in 1399, Cromwell in 1649. Richmond (Henry VII) landed here to raise his rebellion in 1485, and George IV was a visitor. The town of Milford, however, is of more recent origin, having been established about a hundred and seventy years ago by a colony of Quaker whalers from Nantucket, Massachusetts, U.S.A., sponsored by Greville, nephew of Sir William Hamilton, husband of the Lady Hamilton immortalised by the art of Romney. It was through that lady that Nelson became associated with Milford, and one may still see the inn where he stayed, and, in St.Katharine's Church, souvenirs of his battles. From 1790 to 1814 many famous warships were launched here from the old Government dockyard, since transferred to Pembroke Dock.
Milford Haven is being developed as one of the foremost oil ports in Europe. The harbour and docks were extensively used as a Royal Naval Base during both World Wars. More than sixty million tons of convoy shipping used the harbour in the last war.
