The indoor winter programme for the Ridgeway History Group got off to a flying start on Wednesday evening when one of own members gave a talk on the history of Jameston. David Harvey has been researching the history for some time and has written a book which is shortly to be published.

The large number who gathered to hear him is evidence of the interest in the subject.

Compared to some places in Pembrokeshire, Jameston is not particularly old. It is first mentioned in 1293 when the Bishop of St. Davids had a 'Grange' there for the storing of tithes. It is called 'Apud Sanctu Jacobu' or the place of St. James. Again in 1331 it is mentioned as 'Seint Jameston". When it became plain Jameston is not clear.

It is assumed that the 'James' shows a link with Manorbier which has St. James Church, but confusingly in the 1300s, Manorbier church was dedicated to St. Martin. Some early maps appear to show a church in the village, but no eclesiastical or archeological records support this. There is clear evidence of a deer park and this probably belonged to Sampson Lort's 17th century house at East Moor.

Around 1700 there were Quakers in the village, but they appeared to have only lasted about 100 years. We were surprised to know that there had been a mine in Jameston. There was an iron mine which was worked between 1864-5 and again in 1908-9.

David's comprehensive research covers education, religion and businesses in the village.

I have a feeling that most of his audience will be eager to buy his book when it appears.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 3, at 7.30 pm, in the Skrinkle hall, when Dr. J. Curtis will speak on the Museums and Archaeology of Iran.