DR Samantha Nelson, the Community Programme Officer at the new Henry Tudor Centre, addressed a packed crowd at Pembroke Town Hall on Saturday.

Dr Nelson, a Tudor expert from Swansea University, has taken a new role at the Henry Tudor Centre, funded by a Nation Heritage Lottery Grant for one year, to organise a vibrant events and activities programme at the Centre and create a volunteer program.

Welcomed by Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society, Dr Nelson presented these opportunities to a full house on Saturday, November 7 while Siobhan McGovern, project manager at Pembrokeshire County Council, gave an insight into the exhibition.

Opening in March 2027, Henry Tudor’s story will be brought to life at the new Henry Tudor Centre – located just a stone’s throw from Pembroke Castle where the future Henry VII was born.

The immersive, new attraction will tell the story of Henry’s Welsh ancestry and his rise to power from Pembroke-born nobleman to king. Whilst his claim to the throne by blood was tenuous, his victory over Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 secured the crown and brought the Wars of the Roses to an end. And, with his marriage to Elizabeth of York strengthening his position further, he was able to unite the houses of Lancaster and York thereby establishing the Tudor dynasty.

Henry VII went on to rule for almost 24 years, restoring stability to the monarchy and building considerable wealth for the Crown. Yet, despite fathering Henry VIII and founding a dynasty that has fascinated generations, his own story remains far less familiar.

The new Centre aims to change that, using hands-on interactives, family activities and historical interpretation to bring Henry and his turbulent times to life. There will also be a café, library, community rooms and schools programme, whilst a year-long programme of events and activities is planned across 2027 to celebrate the opening.

Funding for the centre has come from Welsh Government, UK Government, The National Lottery Heritage Programme, Pembrokeshire County Council and Valero.