The title of the Arts Club programme last Friday evening was 'The Opium Traders of Tenby' which uncovered the fascinating story behind the building of Lexden Terrace.
The terrace was built by John Rees for his wife in 1843 and was named after his wife's place of birth, Lexden in Essex.
The talk by Douglas Fraser told the history of John Rees, a Tenby man, and how he became wealthy through his activities in the Chinese opium trade.
Born in 1801, the son of a seaman, John Rees became part of the maritime scene in Tenby along with his brothers. Members heard how his ambitions took him from Tenby to China and the Far East.
To understand Rees's progress, Douglas Fraser explained how and why the opium trade had become lucrative in China in the 18th and 19th centuries.
During this time, the trade in Chinese goods had grown considerably, especially the tea trade. The Mandarins held power in China and controlled all trading. The East India Company was also an important figure in the trade. As well as tea, opium became high on the list of commodities in trade with Europe, including Britain, where it was used largely for medical purposes as a painkiller.
Because of his excellent seamanship, John Rees, as a sea-captain, became an important person with his knowledge of the uncharted and dangerous waters of the South China seas. In spite of the restrictions and corruption prevalent at the time, John Rees accumulated great wealth from his participation in the carrying of opium.
His eventual return to Britain was probably due to concern about the morality of the opium trade in the 1840s when it was discovered that the drug was being used widely for illicit purposes.
By this time, John Rees, now a rich man, was in a position to purchase a great deal of land in Pembrokeshire and it was then that the magnificent house was built for his new wife in Lexden Terrace.
This was a fascinating talk. Douglas Fraser's thorough research and his detailed knowledge of the historical facts made this a most interesting and informative evening, with more than a dash of adventure. The club is most grateful to him.
This Friday, March 6, the Memphis 6/7 return to give an evening of jazz. Admission £4 (£5 for non-members). Everyone is welcome at 8 pm in Church House. This event is supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Pembrokeshire County Council.