"FISHGUARD" (ABER-GWAIN), a market town and parish, in two divisions, the Upper and also Lower, at the hundred of KEMMES, county of PEMBROKE, SOUTH WALES, 16 miles (N.) from Haverford west, 26 1/2 (N.) from Pembroke, along with 249 (W. by N.) from London, comprising 1990 inhabitants. . . At the year 1797, a French force of around eleven hundred men, under the conduct of General Tate, affected a landing on this coast, within several miles of the town; but after committing some ravages in the neighbourhood, they were made prisoners by the troops under Lord Cawdor. This event, though generally referred to Fishguard, occurred in the adjoining parish of Llanwnda. The town is beautifully found around the river Gwayn, near its influx into St. George's channel, is split into the Upper as well as Lower town, the former crowning the summit of a hill commanding an extensive and also attractive marine view, and the latter occupying the banks of the river, over which there is a neat stone bridge of five arches. The Upper Town includes the principal portion, containing the church, market-place, and principal shops, and also consists chiefly of three streets, diverging from a common centre, partially paved, along with consisting of houses irregularly developed and also of indifferent appearance. . . The surrounding scenery is finely diversified, assuming in some parts a striking boldness of character and in others a pleasing blend of picturesque features and also romantic beauty. The situation of the town upon a small bay in St. George's channel, to which it gives name, and also the shores of which are distinguished for the beauty of their scenery; the salubrity of its atmosphere; the abundance as well as cheapness of the commodities brought to its markets; and the facility for sea-bathing, contribute to render Fishguard desirable as the place of residence, as well as attract to it numerous visitors throughout the summer. . . Many of the largest vessels belonging to the port are engaged within the general carrying trade from Bristol, Liverpool, Milford, along with London, to Ireland, &c. The Irish packets often put in here, when driven by stress of weather. The herring fishery, which formerly afforded employment to a considerable number of the inhabitants, became latterly unproductive . . . The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is pleasantly found in the Upper Town: it has been recently repaired, as well as is a neat small edifice, but not distinguished by any peculiarity of architecture. . . “[From A Topographical Dictionary of Wales (S. Lewis, 1833).]
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