Tenby Mayor, Clr. Laurence Blackhall, joined the Tudor Merchant’s House for a citrus celebration this week as the team acknowledged 450 years since oranges were first imported to the town.

Staff at the National Trust property, which dates back to the 15th century, invited Clr. Blackhall to share the story of Portuguese ship, La Nossa Signora, with visitors. The ship came to Tenby harbour on June 17, 1566, with a cargo of common imports like salt and vinegar, along with oranges, then an unexpected arrival and a new fruit for the town.

As a commemorative gesture to the historic moment, a basket of oranges provided by Four Seasons has also been placed at the Tudor Merchant’s House.

Speaking about the occasion, Angela Jones, Tudor Merchant’s House manager, said: “Tenby harbour played an important part in our merchant’s business as much of what he would have sold was imported from overseas.

“The merchant would have regularly visited the harbour and so it is exciting to think what he and the townspeople must have thought of those first oranges 450 years ago.

“The Tudor Merchant’s House is a celebration of Tenby’s past and we’re delighted the Mayor could join us to remember this historic event.”

Find out more about the Tudor Merchant’s House at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tudor-merchants-house