
Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.
The town was founded in 1814 as a major shipbuilding and naval base.
Pembroke Dock's strategic location on the Cleddau Estuary made it an ideal spot for shipbuilding and repair.
The town's shipbuilding industry was a significant contributor to the local economy, with many vessels being built and repaired there.
The town's growth and development were also influenced by its role as a major naval base, with the Royal Navy having a significant presence in the area.
History of Pembroke Dock
Pembroke Dock has a rich history dating back to 1814 when it was founded, although it wasn't formally authorized until 1815.
The site was initially known as Pater Yard, but was later changed to Pembroke Dock in 1817, in deference to the nearby town of Pembroke.
The dockyard was built on greenfield land, with the closest accommodations in Pembroke, and office space was provided by the old frigate Lapwing after she was beached.

The Royal Marine garrison was housed in the hulked 74-gun ship, HMS Dragon, after she was run aground in 1832.
Many of the workmen commuted by boat from nearby communities until Pembroke Dock town was built up.
The dockyard was closed by the Admiralty in 1926, after the end of the First World War, as it was deemed redundant.
Here are some key dates in the history of Pembroke Dock:
Captain Superintendent (1857–1906)
The Captain Superintendent played a crucial role in the history of Pembroke Dock. This position was held by various individuals from 1857 to 1906.
Captain George Ramsay was the first Captain Superintendent, serving from July 1857 to September 1862. He was followed by Captain William Loring, who took over from September 1862 to March 1866.
The list of Captain Superintendents is quite long, but here are some key dates and names:
Captain Superintendent (1915–1926)
Between 1915 and 1926, Pembroke Dockyard had a series of Captain Superintendents who played a crucial role in its operations.

Captain Frederick D. Gilpin Brown held the position from September 1915 to April 1918.
Captain John G. Armstrong took over from April 1918 to February 1920, marking a significant period in the dockyard's history.
Captain David Murray Anderson served from February 1920 to April 1922, contributing to the dockyard's growth and development.
Captain the Hon. Arthur B. S. Dutton held the position from April 1922 to July 1924, overseeing various projects and initiatives.
Captain Leonard A. B. Donaldson was the final Captain Superintendent, serving from July 1924 to 1926.
Here's a list of the Captain Superintendents during this period:
- Captain Frederick D. Gilpin Brown: September 1915-April 1918
- Captain John G. Armstrong: April 1918-February 1920
- Captain David Murray Anderson: February 1920-April 1922
- Captain the Hon. Arthur B. S. Dutton: April 1922-July 1924
- Captain Leonard A. B. Donaldson: July 1924 – 1926
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts in Pembroke Dock, Pembrokeshire, are making a real difference in preserving the local environment.
The South Pembrokeshire Golf Course is creating wildlife stepping stones by planting trees along PRoW connecting Victoria Road to Cross Park and the perimeter of Pennar School.
Expansion of woodland areas and retention of rough grass between fairways are also being considered to provide habitats for birds and invertebrates.

Reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals that contribute to water quality issues is also a priority.
Diversifying the structure of the existing woodland will allow light to reach the ground flora, supporting pollinator species, and dead wood should be retained to provide additional habitat.
Interpretation boards celebrating the heritage of the area should be introduced to raise awareness about the importance of conservation.
Burial grounds like Pembroke Dock Cemetery offer vital habitats for local biodiversity, and 'messiness' and increased structural diversity are being encouraged to create feeding, nesting, roosting, and hibernating spaces.
Educational signage is being installed to promote the changes to the maintenance regime, including relaxed mowing regimes in some areas.
PED9 – Enhance Biodiversity
Enhancing biodiversity is a crucial step in conservation efforts, and it's amazing to see how even the most unexpected places can be transformed into thriving habitats.
Burial grounds like Pembroke Dock Cemetery offer vitally important habitats for local biodiversity.

By encouraging 'messiness' and increased structural diversity, we can create feeding, nesting, roosting, and hibernating spaces for various species.
In the case of Pembroke Dock Cemetery, existing routes should continue to be maintained, and access to tended graves should be made available throughout the year.
Relaxed mowing regimes in some areas can also be beneficial, and educational signage to promote these changes should be installed to help visitors understand the rationale.
The changes made to Pembroke Dock Cemetery are a great example of how even the most unlikely places can be transformed into thriving ecosystems.
PED11 – Reconfigure Coast Path
The PED11 – Reconfigure Coast Path project is an innovative approach to coastal conservation. It involves reconfiguring existing coastal paths to better withstand the impacts of climate change and erosion.
The project focuses on areas where the existing path is at risk of being washed away by the sea. In these areas, the path will be reconfigured to be higher up on the cliff face.

This approach not only protects the path but also helps to prevent further erosion of the cliff face. By keeping the path higher up, the risk of damage to the underlying cliff is reduced.
The reconfigured path will also provide a safer and more enjoyable experience for walkers. It will be designed to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change and erosion.
The project also involves using natural materials, such as gravel and sand, to create a more natural and sustainable path. This approach helps to reduce the impact of the path on the surrounding environment.
By reconfiguring the coast path, the PED11 project is helping to protect this valuable asset for future generations.
PED1 – Rejuvenate Youth Playground
The PED1 project aims to transform the Pembroke Dock Youth Club playground into a vibrant and biodiverse space.
New natural play features will be introduced to replace damaged equipment, providing a more adventurous and robust play area for kids.

A community garden will be created within the Youth Club's fenced perimeter, featuring orchard trees and edible hedges that can be enjoyed by the community.
This garden will not only provide a peaceful oasis but also serve as an educational space for kids to learn about gardening and sustainability.
Additional tree boundary planting and pollinator-friendly "wild edges" will be introduced to enhance the biodiversity of the area.
These features will not only attract beneficial insects but also create a beautiful and dynamic landscape that changes with the seasons.
Listed Buildings & Scheduled Monuments
The UK has a staggering 373,000 listed buildings, ranging from grand castles to humble cottages, which are protected by law for their historical significance.
These buildings are categorized into three grades, with Grade I being the most significant and Grade III being the least.
A Scheduled Monument is a site of national importance that has been designated for its archaeological or historical value.

Scheduled Monuments can include anything from ancient burial grounds to medieval forts.
The UK's Scheduled Monuments list is managed by Historic England, Historic Scotland, and Cadw in Wales.
There are over 22,000 Scheduled Monuments in the UK, with many more awaiting designation.
Only 2% of these monuments are open to the public, leaving much to be discovered by enthusiasts and researchers.
The protection of these sites is crucial to preserving the UK's rich cultural heritage for future generations.
Infrastructure and Development
Pembroke Dock in Pembrokeshire has undergone significant development over the years, with a focus on maritime trade and industry.
The town's strategic location on the Cleddau Estuary made it an ideal spot for shipbuilding and repair, with the construction of the Royal Dockyard in 1815.
Pembroke Dock's rich history is evident in its architecture, with many historic buildings still standing today.
The town's infrastructure has been shaped by its industrial past, with the remains of the dockyard and other industrial sites still visible.
Rear-Admiral Superintendent, Dockyard

Rear-Admiral Superintendent, Dockyard was a crucial role at Pembroke Dockyard from 1906 to 1915. There were three Rear-Admirals who held this position during this time.
The first Rear-Admiral was Henry C. Kingsford, who served from October 1906 to December 1908. This was a significant period of growth and development for the dockyard.
Rear-Admiral Godfrey H.B. Mundy took over from December 1908 to December 1911. During his tenure, the dockyard continued to expand and improve its facilities.
The final Rear-Admiral to hold the position was Alfred E.A. Grant, who served from December 1911 to September 1915. This period saw significant advancements in the dockyard's capabilities and infrastructure.
Here's a list of the Rear-Admirals who served as Superintendent, Dockyard during this time:
- Rear-Admiral Henry C. Kingsford (October 1906-December 1908)
- Rear-Admiral Godfrey H.B. Mundy (December 1908-December 1911)
- Rear-Admiral Alfred E.A. Grant (December 1911-September 1915)
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure is a game-changer for urban areas, allowing rainwater to be absorbed into the ground instead of running off into storm drains.
This can be achieved through the use of green roofs, which can reduce stormwater runoff by up to 80%.

Green spaces like parks and gardens can also help to mitigate the urban heat island effect, keeping cities cooler by up to 2 degrees Celsius.
Permeable pavement is another green infrastructure solution, allowing water to seep into the ground rather than flowing over the surface.
By incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning, cities can reduce their environmental impact and create more livable spaces for residents.
Green infrastructure can also help to manage flooding, with some cities seeing a 30% reduction in flood risk after implementing green infrastructure projects.
Green infrastructure is not just about aesthetics; it can also improve air quality by reducing the amount of pollutants in the air.
128 Activities
Infrastructure and development go hand-in-hand, especially when it comes to creating vibrant communities. A well-designed infrastructure can support a wide range of activities that foster social interaction and economic growth.
The article highlights 128 activities that infrastructure can support, from small-scale events like farmers' markets to large-scale festivals like music concerts. These activities can bring people together, promote local businesses, and create a sense of community pride.

A good example is the creation of public parks and green spaces, which can host a variety of activities like yoga classes, outdoor movie screenings, and children's playdates. These spaces can also serve as hubs for community events and gatherings.
In fact, the article notes that public parks and green spaces can be designed to accommodate up to 50 different activities, depending on their size and layout. This is especially important for urban areas where space is limited and community spaces are scarce.
From street festivals to cultural events, infrastructure can support a wide range of activities that celebrate local culture and heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pembroke Dock famous for?
Pembroke Dock is famous for being the only Royal Dockyard on Britain's west coast, where innovative shipbuilding techniques were pioneered. It's a historic hub that saw the transition from wooden to iron shipbuilding structures.
Is Pembroke Dock worth visiting?
Yes, Pembroke Dock is a great destination for families and nature lovers, offering interactive exhibits, beautiful gardens, and scenic views. Visit to discover a unique blend of history, art, and wildlife.
Is a Pembroke Dock safe?
Pembroke Dock is considered a safe area, with a low crime rate of 71 crimes per thousand residents, ranking 3 out of 10 in England and Wales. If you're looking for more information on safety in Pembroke Dock, click here to learn more.
Can you walk around a Pembroke Dock?
Yes, you can walk around Pembroke Dock, which offers scenic riverside views and a glimpse into the town's maritime, military, and social history. The walk is fairly long but not too strenuous.
Sources
- https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/pembrokeshire-green-infrastructure-assessment/overview-of-settlement-plans/chapter-9-pembroke-dock/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Dockyard
- https://tfw.wales/places/stations/pembroke-dock
- https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk/things-to-do/south-wales/pembrokeshire/pembroke-dock
- https://wanderersintimeandplace.wordpress.com/2015/09/29/pembrokeshire-south-wales-pt-6-pembroke-dock/
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