Towards a museum for Pembroke

It has long been an aspiration to have a museum in Pembroke - but where do you begin? Well, a start is now being made by Pembroke Town Council which has now formed a museum's committee of which we are a part along with other local historians. We met on Friday and present on this occasion were Clr. Aidan Brinn (chairman of the committee), Clr. and Mayor Mel Phillips, George Lewis, Clr. Linda Asman, Stuart Asman, David James, Terry John, Gene Ryecroft ,Vicki Haggar, Clr. Pauline Waters, Clr. Dennis Evans, with Karen Didcott (town clerk).

Pembroke Town Council has granted permission for the Court Room to be used as a museum during the summer months, June to September inclusive, and we will start assembling the displays following Mayor Making which takes place in the Court Room on May 11.

To quote the chairman of the committee, Clr. Aden Brinn: "The initiative for a museum in Pembroke is well overdue and it is essential to have a base to promote the history of our town. Pembroke is steeped in history which dates back over 900 years. I am delighted we have formed a strong committee and I hope our close community will support us in our endeavours to achieve our objective of promoting our heritage for the benefit of both our townspeople and visitors to Pembroke."

A prestigious past

Ideas were put forward for developing displays in the Court Room to illustrate the story of Pembroke tracing its history from earliest times to the present day. And what a history we have!

How many towns can boast of such prestigious connections - three royals no less. First there was Nest, Princess of Deheubarth, who became hostage of the Normans when they conquered this part of Wales in 1093. She became the lover of Henry I who subsequently gave her in marriage to Gerald de Windsor, Castellan of Pembroke. She was in effect the first lady of Pembroke. There were plans at one time to make a statue to Nest and Dave Petersen was the chosen sculptor, but it all came to nothing.

Then there was William Marshall who became Earl of Pembroke in 1199. William was not actually crowned King of England, but he was king in all but name when appointed regent following the death of King John, who left a nine-year-old heir Henry III. Now William's life reads like a heroic tale and certainly we should be proud of our connection to him - certainly worthy of a statue!

The third royal is the best known of all, none other than Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty who was born in Pembroke Castle in 1457 and was educated by the monks at Monkton Priory. Pembroke passed into the house of Tudor on the death of Jasper Tudor and Henry VIII made his unfortunate wife Anne Boleyn, Lady Marchioness of Pembroke. Again, attempts at a statue of Henry have not yet met with success.

We need a permanent home

We in the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society have amassed a large collection of material on our history and a photographic archive: those of you who have come to our events will know that for every event we put on a new themed display - a very time consuming process and it is a frustration that we have to dismantle them afterwards. A permanent display area where people can access the material we have collected would be marvellous.

We will also be featuring our big community project 'Through My Eyes: a community history of Pembroke and Monkton' and you will be able to sample some of the digital stories or short films we have made with local people. On completion of this major project, you will be able to buy a dvd of the films with an accompanying book, publication of which is being funded by HLF.

A variety of displays

Running alongside all this is a proud maritime history, for Pembroke was a major port until the 19th century when rail overtook sail as the most convenient means of transporting goods, although sea trading continued well into the 20th century, the Kathleen and May being the last ship to draw up to a Pembroke Quayside. David James, of the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society, will be assembling a display on this aspect of the story - a model of the Kathleen and May built by David James is already exhibited in the Town Hall.

Terry John will be tackling an important chapter of Pembroke's past , the Civil War. Terry is an organiser of Sealed Knot events, has written books on the Civil War and regularly gives talks and walks.

Vicki Haggar will be taking care of another important piece of the story - the Haggar family and will be giving visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of her famous family with an opportunity to view some of the old silent movies.

The centre piece will be an exhibition on the Age of Steam commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Pembroke and Tenby railway and we hope that people will come forward with photographs and memorabilia relating to Victorian Pembroke.

Get involved!

We would also like to discover what artefacts are out there should we be able to actually secure a premises for a museum. The town council is going to look into the possibility of utilising the empty buildings in Northgate Street - so watch this space.

There is plenty of scope for ideas and opportunities to get involved: eg we will need volunteers to help supervise the exhibition on rota. Please contact us or Pembroke Town Hall if you feel you can help.

Contact

If you have any stories, photographs or feedback for this column, please contact me, Linda Asman, on 01646 622428, email [email protected]">[email protected] and visit our website http://www.pembrokeandmonkonhistory.org.uk">www.pembrokeandmonkonhistory.org.uk

Next event

Tonight (Friday, April 19) at 7.30 pm, there will be a talk by George Lewis on the 'Pembroke and Tenby Railway - 150th Anniversary'.

Saturday, May 4, 10.30 -12.30, coffee morning with slide show by Gordon Smith - 'The farms and buildings of Castlemartin.'

Both at Monkton Church Hall. Free events, all welcome. However, if you wish to join the society, we have now opened up a membership at a nominal fee of £3 per annum.