The Castlemartin Range

At our last meeting on Saturday last, May 4, Gordon Smith came to give us an illustrated talk on the farms and buildings of the Castlemartin Range, a subject of great interest to many Pembroke people. Gordon was greeted by a crowded Church Hall, evidence enough of that interest: some of those present were personally affected by that requisition which took place at the beginning of WW2.

Gordon has a large collection of photographs acquired over many years - a wonderful record of some of the buildings which are now either derelict or obliterated altogether. The preceding week, members of our society went on a minibus tour of the range led by National Park education officer, Craig Stringer and visited some of the remaining buildings, including Flimston, a house with mediaeval origins which now, in its ruined state, carries a preservation order (a bit late in the day you might think). Standing nearby, miraculously intact and preserved in a desolate landscape where so much has been destroyed, is Flimston Chapel. It was restored in 1903 by the Lambton family, of Brownslade, as a memorial to their sons who were killed in the Boer War and was further restored in 1970 by officers, soldiers and civilian staff from the range.

Brownslade

Of Brownslade mansion, nothing remains and I was particularly interested in Gordon's photographs of the house and the Lambtons, a family which suffered such tragic loss of so many sons. What remains are the farm, a once extremely important 'model' farm and the walled gardens which must once have been magnificent - they are extensive! Now wouldn't that be a marvellous project - the lost gardens of Brownslade!

In 1902, such was the importance of Brownslade that King Edward VII, Queen Alexandria and Princess Victoria came visiting. On Friday, August 22, 1902, the royal yacht, Victoria and Albert, entered the Haven and the following day the royal party visited Pembroke Dock - one of the titles of King Edward VII was that of Earl of Milford Haven. The visit is described in Mrs. Peters' book of Pembroke Dock.

"Crowds began to assemble early outside the dockyard gates and when news of the royal landing had been confirmed, by the royal salute given from the guns at the Defensible Barracks, the waiting throngs knew that the sovereign had landed. Soon after cheer after cheer arose from nearly 3,000 men within the dockyard walls.

"As it was noon, they had left off work and when the carriage, which had met its royal occupants at the landing steps, had reached the dockyard gates, the men their faces lit up with the fervour of intense loyalty, gave hearty and ringing cheers again and again for the King and Queen.

Visiting Pembroke Castle

"They first proceeded to Pembroke, where their Majesties and the Princess were escorted round the ancient historic castle by Mr. Robert George, an ex-Mayor of the borough. The Mayor, Mr. Davies, of Alleston, was also present. His Majesty was greatly struck with the grandeur of the old ruin. Her Majesty the Queen showed much interest in the white peacocks which have their home in the grounds (the Princess of Wales, when as Duchess of York she visited the castle, also admired them). These birds are thought to be almost the only if not the only, specimens of the breed in England and Wales. Before leaving Pembroke Castle, the royal party signed their names in the visitor's book. His majesty shook hands with Mr. George, and said: 'I am delighted with your beautiful castle and am much obliged to you for showing us round.'

Next to Monkton Priory Church

"After the castle had been visited, Monkton Church was next inspected. Unfortunately, the vicar, the Rev. David Bowen, now Prebendary Bowen, was from home. The royal visitors signed their names in the church books. Quite recently, a stained window has been placed in the church in remembrance of the royal visit.

Then Brownslade for lunch

"Leaving Monkton, Brownslade was soon reached. This is the residence of Colonel and Lady Lambton; Colonel Lambton is a cousin to Captain Hedworth Lambton. After having lunched at Brownslade, King Edward expressed a wish to see some of the famous Castlemartin black cattle, so about 30 of these fine creatures belonging to Mr. Thomas, of Bulliber, were driven in front of their Majesties, The King admired them exceedingly, and the Queen accepted a bunch of garden flowers which Mr. Thomas's little daughter had gathered for Her Majesty.

And on to Stack Rocks and Stackpole

"Over the downs to Stack Rocks was the next part of the journey. Here, the dockyard choir were having their annual outing. Upon arrival of the royal party, they sang the National Anthem, which the King and Queen smilingly acknowledged. St. Govan's Chapel was next visited. Strange to say, there was another choir-party there from Pennar Church; they also sang 'God Save the King'. The Queen and the Princess went down over the rocky way and broken steps to see the quaint little chapel, but the King remained in the carriage.

"From this point, the horses were turned towards Stackpole Court. A halt of 20 minutes was made there. Earl Cawdor was in Scotland, but two of his sons were at home to welcome the royal guests. The return route to Pembroke Dock was taken over St. Daniel's Hill through Pembroke Main Street, round Ferry lane to Dimond Street, and up Commercial Row to the Dockyard."

Pembroke Museum Project

We are now about to begin the museums project. Working with Pembroke Town Council museum's committee, West Wales Maritime Heritage Society (and anyone else who wants to get involved!), we will assemble displays ready for opening on Saturday, June 1, 10.30 -12.30. As this will coincide with our monthly local history coffee morning, we will combine the two events, so please remember to meet in the Town Hall and not in Monkton Church Hall. By doing this, we will extend the experience enabling you to view also our presentation 'Around Pembrokeshire in old picture postcards' which will be introduced by Nancy Davies.

The success of the museum's venture (a purely voluntary effort) will depend on community involvement - we will be looking for volunteers to man the displays for short periods on rota throughout the week between 10.30 am and 4 pm. We hope too that material will be forthcoming for loan or (as in the case of photographs) copy so that we can build on what we already have. We also wish to list any items suitable for loan to a future permanent museum as Pembroke Town Council is working towards this.

Please leave your name with the town clerk's office 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, May 17), 7.30 pm quiz night at Monkton Church Hall. £3.50 includes a buffet - bring your own bottle if you wish.