News

Could Pembrokeshire hold the key to St Patrick’s lost birthplace?

Published

2 months ago

March 17, 2026

Discovery of Roman fort sparks fresh theory linking west Wales to Ireland’s patron saint

PEMBROKESHIRE could be at the centre of one of history’s greatest mysteries, following the discovery of a previously unknown Roman fort that is now fuelling new speculation about the origins of St Patrick.

The saint, who lived during the 5th century, famously wrote that he was taken as a teenager from a place called “Bannavem Taburniae” — a location that has never been identified.

Now, new evidence suggests west Wales may have been far more connected and strategically important in Roman times than previously believed.

A discovery that changes the picture

The recent discovery of a large Roman fort in Pembrokeshire has challenged long-held assumptions that the region was a quiet and lightly occupied corner of Roman Britain.

Instead, archaeologists now believe west Wales may have been home to organised military activity, supported by road networks and coastal links.

This emerging picture places Pembrokeshire firmly within the Roman world — not on its fringes.

The mystery of Bannavem Taburniae

St Patrick’s own writings provide the only clue to his origins.

He describes being captured by Irish raiders and taken across the sea from Bannavem Taburniae, believed to have been a coastal or near-coastal settlement in Roman Britain.

Its exact location remains unknown.

However, historians broadly agree it would have been:
a settlement within the Roman world, accessible from the sea, and located on the western side of Britain.

Pembrokeshire fits that description.

St Davids Cathedral said: “We are celebrating St Patrick’s Day, with prayers for all our Irish friends and neighbours, and remembering his Welsh connections – some legends say that he received his call to return to Ireland from St David’s head, on the coast nearby. His icon is one of those on our Shrine.”

Geography strengthens the case

Few places in Britain are closer to Ireland than Pembrokeshire.

The crossing from the west Wales coast is relatively short and would have been well within the capabilities of Irish raiders during the 5th century.

Communities along this coastline were accessible, connected and exposed.

If raiders were targeting coastal settlements, west Wales would have been among the most likely places.

Earlier than St Davids—but part of the same world

St Davids itself had not yet been founded during St Patrick’s lifetime, but west Wales was already part of a growing network of early Christian communities along the Irish Sea.

The movement of people, goods and ideas between Wales and Ireland was well established.

The later emergence of St Davids as a major religious centre reinforces the importance of Pembrokeshire within that shared cultural and spiritual landscape.

Not proof—but a powerful possibility

There is no direct evidence linking the newly discovered Roman fort—or any site in Pembrokeshire—to Bannavem Taburniae.

No historian has yet identified the county as St Patrick’s birthplace.

However, the discovery changes the context.

It shows that west Wales was not isolated, but part of a structured and connected Roman landscape that closely matches the type of settlement described in St Patrick’s account.

A theory worth exploring

For centuries, historians have focused on northern England and Scotland when searching for Patrick’s origins.

But the combination of proximity to Ireland, new archaeological discoveries and strong maritime links is beginning to shift attention west.

Pembrokeshire may not yet provide the answer.

But it is now firmly in the frame.

A local link to a global story

Ireland will always be at the heart of St Patrick’s legacy.

But his story began somewhere else.

And there is a growing case that it may have begun on the Pembrokeshire coast.

Community

Free naloxone training session announced for Pembroke Dock

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A FREE life-saving training session is set to take place in Pembroke Dock next month, giving people the skills to respond to suspected drug overdoses.

RM Training and Security Solutions has confirmed it will host a naloxone (Naxoline) training course at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

The session is being delivered in partnership with the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service (DDAS) and is open to anyone, including security staff, venue teams, event workers and members of the public.

Organisers say the training is designed to be quick, practical and accessible, equipping attendees with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency.

Those taking part will learn how to recognise the signs of an overdose, what to do in a critical situation, how to safely administer naloxone, and gain an understanding of basic harm reduction.

Naloxone is a medication used to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses and can be administered via a nasal spray.

RM Training and Security Solutions said the session forms part of a wider effort to improve safety across communities, particularly in nightlife and public-facing environments.

Places are limited, and early booking is advised. Those interested can book via the company’s website or contact the organisers directly for more information.

Photo caption:

Life-saving skills: Free naloxone training will be held at The Cricketers in Pembroke Dock on Tuesday (June 9).

Community

Security firm meets councillors over town safety concerns

Published

8 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A MEETING has been held at Haverfordwest Town Council offices to discuss community safety and security concerns in the town.

Councillor Randell Izaiah Thomas-Turner welcomed RM Training and Security Solutions for what he described as a “productive and forward-thinking” discussion.

He was joined by Deputy Mayor-elect Cllr Adam Benson Davis and the Sheriff of Haverfordwest, Cllr Dani Thomas-Turner, for the meeting with Ryan Mayne and Matthew Davis of RM Training and Security Solutions.

The discussion focused on concerns facing the community, including public safety, anti-social behaviour and the need for practical partnership working to help support residents, businesses and visitors.

Cllr Thomas-Turner said the meeting was open and honest, with all parties keen to look at constructive ways of improving safety and confidence in the town.

Further discussions are expected as councillors continue to explore possible community-led solutions.

Photo caption:

Town safety talks: Councillors met with representatives of RM Training and Security Solutions at Haverfordwest Town Council offices.

Community

Port invests almost £500,000 in Pembrokeshire communities

Published

9 hours ago

May 1, 2026

Tom Sinclair

YOUNG people, water safety projects and environmental schemes across Pembrokeshire benefited from almost half a million pounds of support from the Port of Milford Haven during 2025.

The Port said its investment reflected another year of commitment to strengthening local communities, building confidence among young people, improving access to the Milford Haven Waterway and supporting environmental resilience across the county.

Its community support focused on three main themes: a safe, inclusive and enjoyable Waterway; a skilled and confident community, with a particular focus on young people; and a sustainable and resilient environment.

Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely, including skills sessions and boat trips for people of all abilities and backgrounds.

The Port also supported Tenby Surf Life Saving Club and Porthmawr Surf Life Saving Club, helping provide training and safety equipment for volunteers carrying out lifesaving work.

Youth support

long-standing partnerships also remained central to the Port’s community investment.

Its continued work with Milford Youth Matters supported initiatives including Under the Bridge and the Winter Warmers scheme, providing safe and warm spaces for young people during the colder months.

Support for Megan’s Starr Foundation funded more than 300 hours of counselling for young people, helping improve mental health and wellbeing.

The Port also worked with Pembrokeshire County Council and Milford Haven Town Council to help keep a vital library resource open.

Support continued for the Torch Theatre, which delivered opportunities for young people outside traditional academic or sporting settings and won an award in 2025.

In partnership with the SPARC Alliance, the Port also helped encourage young women to explore careers in STEM, with 172 girls enrolled in the programme.

Environmental work

The Port said it remained proud to support the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC Officer post, recognising the importance of protecting and sharing the county’s special marine environment.

It also highlighted its role with the Milford Haven Waterway Environment Surveillance Group, which has monitored the Waterway’s habitats and wildlife for more than thirty years.

The Port has also supported Cymbrogi Futures in delivering the Tomorrow’s Changemakers Hackathon programme for schools across Pembrokeshire.

Anna Malloy, Communications and Marketing Director at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our community investments are some of the most rewarding ways we support people across Pembrokeshire.

“Every year we see incredible dedication from local groups working to make our communities safer, more inclusive, and more inspiring, especially for young people.

“We are particularly proud that in 2026 the fund will be focusing further on supporting projects that help young people gain skills and grow in confidence.

“Our investment in people today helps create a stronger, more inclusive and ambitious generation tomorrow.”

The Port of Milford Haven is the UK’s top energy port and Wales’ busiest port, handling around 20% of Britain’s seaborne trade in oil and gas. It also owns and operates Pembroke Port and Milford Waterfront.

Photo caption: Water safety projects delivered with Windswept, Paddle West and Blue Horizons CIC helped more people access the Waterway safely.