Pembroke - About Pembroke
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The ancient town of Pembroke is a popular tourist destination for Pembrokeshire. The history of the town can be traced back to 1093 when the Normans, led by Roger de Montgomery arrived and established a wooden fortress in the town. The present castle was mainly the work of William Marshall and his five sons during 1189 - 1245.
The town itself was fortified and walled, and sections of these walls are still visible from the one-way traffic system gracing Pembroke today.
The castle was the home of the earls of Pembroke and was the birthplace of King Henry VII in 1457.
The streets of the town still follow their medieval line (as shown in photos on site), and although the houses have been rebuilt in stone during the towns more prosperous periods in the 18th and 19th centuries, visitors can still get a feeling of the old medieval town. Along with the castle many of the early houses remain on Westgate hill as do the towns two churches and much of the original town wall. By walking along the Mill pond it can be seen just how powerful and well defended the town of Pembroke was in the middle ages.
Since Cromwell's time, Pembroke has encountered several periods of prosperity, followed by decline, and also the site of numerous battles before this period. Pembroke remains a lovely small town full of interest and history for its many visitors. In 1977 it was designated an Outstanding Conservation Area.
Pembroke is a beautiful, historic, largely unspoiled town, along with the castle there are a great deal of attractions. Visitors can take the popular town trail, visit the museum of the home, there is also a daily indoor market and numerous small craft, gift and specialist shops. The town also boasts a superb children's playground, with picnic and barbecue areas adjacent to plentiful parking on the commons road. For refreshments there is a wide variety to cater for all tastes, there is a Chinese restaurant / takeaway, numerous restaurants and pubs, cafes, snack bars and fish and chip shops.
Nightlife in Pembroke is able to suit everyone. There are many pubs, bars and nightclubs situation in the Main Street.
Transport in Pembroke is good with a regular bus service and train service serving the town (see travel). Pembroke is always developing. There are plenty of walks and activities to entertain all visitors and locals and guarantees an enjoyable, fulfilling experience for everyone.
Tourism is a very important commodity in recent years with its closeness to Tenby and Saundersfoot holiday resorts, this with the numerous beaches within miles of Pembroke and Pembroke Castle will hopefully continue to see Pembroke prosperous into the future with its tourist industry.
