Milford Haven

Location of Milford Haven

This article is about the town, see Milford Haven (harbour) for the harbour that gives its name to the town.

Milford Haven (Welsh: Aberdaugleddau meaning Mouth of the Two Cleddaus) is a town in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was founded as a whaling centre in the eighteenth century and grew into a major port. It is the largest town in Pembrokeshire in terms of population.

Attractions

Attractions in the town include Fort Hubberstone, built in 1865 to defend the port, the docks and marina, museum and the ruins of an observatory. The town's main industry today is oil refining.

Milford Haven is also the natural harbour on which the town stands (and from which the town takes its name).

Sister-city relationship

Milford Haven is twinned as a sister city with Romilly-sur-Seine, France.

Schools

Milford Haven School is a large comprehensive school of approx. 1300 pupils (inc. 6th form).

Districts

The town itself is comprised of a number of districts. Milford Haven is actually the more recent, with only a couple of extant buildings pre-dating 1790. Hakin & Hubberstone are older, & situated to the west of the main town. Steynton is a Medieval village to the north, no longer separated due to the expansion of houses. Priory, with the remains of a very early religious priory, is located in a natural valley.

Economy

Milford has seen many ups & downs. At the height of the fishing boom, it was said that "every day was a pay day". The development of the oil industry also helped to boost the town's fortunes. However, the slumps have been just as severe. During the 80's & 90's, the town can be said to have become stagnant, with an extremely high unemployment rate which at times topped 30%, & no major industry. Into the new milenium, its fortunes seem to have risen, as can be witnessed in the activity surrounding the impending LNG terminal, & all the new building works which accompany it.

References

External links

Milford Haven Town Council

Towns in Pembrokeshire | Ports and harbours of Wales