Fishguard

Fishguard (Welsh: Abergwaun, meaning "Mouth of the River Gwaun") is a coastal town in Pembrokeshire, Wales, with a population of 3,419 recorded in the 2011 Census. The community of Fishguard and Goodwick had a population of 5,043 in 2001 and 5,407 in 2011. Modern Fishguard consists of two parts; Lower Fishguard and the "Main Town". Fishguard and Goodwick are twin towns with a joint Town Council.

Lower Fishguard (locally known as 'Lower Town') is believed to be the site of the original hamlet from which modern Fishguard has grown. It is situated in a deep valley where the River Gwaun meets the sea, hence the Welsh name for Fishguard. It is a typical fishing village with a short tidal quay. The settlement stretches along the north slope of the valley.
The main town contains the parish church, the High Street and most of the modern development, and lies upon the hill to the south of Lower Fishguard, to which it is joined by a steep and winding road. The part of the town that faces Goodwick grew in the first decade of the 20th century with the development of Fishguard Harbour.
Fishguard is within the historic Welsh cantref of Cemais, and part of the Welsh province of Dyfed, within the historic Principality of Deheubarth. The coasts of Wales were subject to Norse raids during the Viking Era, and in the latter part of the 10th century Norse trading posts and settlements emerged within Dyfed, with Fishguard established sometime between 950 and 1000 AD.
The town name Fishguard derives from Old Norse Fiskigarðr meaning "fish catching enclosure", indicating that there may have been a Scandinavian trading post, although no evidence has been found.  Called Fiscard until the turn of the 19th century when the name was Anglicised, Fishguard was a marcher borough and in 1603 was described as one of five Pembrokeshire boroughs overseen by a portreeve. The Norman settlement lay along what is now High Street between the church at its north end and the remains of a Norman motte at its south end.
Lower Fishguard developed as a herring fishery and port, trading with Ireland, Bristol and Liverpool. In the late 18th century it had 50 coasting vessels, and exported oats and salt herring. In 1779, the port was raided by the privateer Black Prince, which bombarded the town when the payment of a £1,000 ransom was refused. As a result, Fishguard Fort was completed in 1781, overlooking Lower Fishguard. The port declined in the latter half of the 19th century.
Fishguard's ancient Royal Oak public house was the site of the signing of surrender after the Battle of Fishguard in 1797, the last successful invasion of Britain, when a force of 1,400 French soldiers landed near Fishguard but surrendered two days later.  The story is told in the Fishguard Tapestry created for the 200th anniversary to emulate the Bayeux Tapestry, and is displayed in the Town Hall Library.
A 19th-century vicar of Fishguard, the Rev. Samuel Fenton MA, wrote the book The History of Pembrokeshire.
The ancient Parliamentary Borough of Fishguard was contributory to the Borough of Haverfordwest. In 1907, it was created an urban district, which included Goodwick from 1934 until it was abolished in 1974. During the Second World War, the Fishguard Bay Hotel was Station IXc of Special Operations Executive where submersibles were tested in Fishguard Bay.
Fishguard & Goodwick Golf Club was founded in 1921 and closed in the 1960s.
 

James John Hamilton House

 A Beautifully Refurbished School House James John Hamilton House is an old School House in the heart of the coastal town of Fishguard, in a quiet side street a stone’s throw from the centre of town. It has been luxuriously refurbished to provide top quality holiday accommodation. There are five bedrooms, three en-suite and one with it’s own private adjoining bathroom that together provide ample room for up to 8 adults and 2 children. A large sunlit living room and modern fully equipped kitchen are situated on the first floor with one bedroom and bathroom, the other three en- suite bedrooms are on the ground floor along with an extra shower room. An additional ‘loft’ bedroom has been added this year with en-suite shower, sink and toilet. With modern fittings and eclectic antique furnishings it offers the perfect space for family get togethers, groups of friends or couples and allows perfect access for those choosing to explore the beautiful coast of West Wales. Outside there are two private parking spaces and a barbecue/al fresco dining area where you can relax with a glass or two after your day’s adventures. The quaint market town of Fishguard offers a range of restaurants, shops, pubs and amenities yet remains quiet and peaceful even in the height of the summer. There are beaches, coastal walks, adventure activities and wildlife watching all within a few miles of the front door. Eat, drink, relax and laugh together in the light, spacious living room where the exposed beams and low feature windows echo the original use of this beautiful old building. Comfortable leather couches, cosy throws and squashy cushions welcome you home from the days activities or offer comfort until breakfast is done and you are ready to set off and explore. For stay at home days and chill-out evenings, full wifi and internet connected TV provide alternative entertainment options and keep everyone amused. e-mail: stephenism@hotmail.com  Tel: 01348 874288 mob: 07813 678570