Battle scenes, cavalry displays and a surrender procession brought one of Pembrokeshire’s most extraordinary stories back to the streets

MUSKET fire, mounted soldiers and marching French troops transformed Fishguard and Goodwick at the weekend as Britain’s last invasion was brought dramatically back to life.

Visitors gathered across the twin towns on Saturday and Sunday (July 18 and 19) for a large-scale re-enactment of the failed French invasion of 1797, the last occasion on which a hostile foreign army landed on mainland Britain.

The free two-day event featured living-history camps, military demonstrations, cavalry displays and staged fighting before reaching its climax with the surrender of the invading French force.

Costumed soldiers representing the French and British armies established military camps where visitors could see the clothing, equipment and living conditions experienced by troops at the end of the eighteenth century.

The action then moved to Goodwick’s foreshore, where mounted displays were followed by a recreation of the fighting which took place after the French landed on the north Pembrokeshire coast.

The defeated French forces later formed a procession through Fishguard, recreating their march into the town before the surrender negotiations associated with the historic Royal Oak.

The pub, which still stands on Fishguard Square, served as the headquarters of the British commander Lord Cawdor during the invasion and remains one of the most important surviving locations connected to the story.

The weekend marked 229 years since around 1,400 French troops landed beneath the cliffs at Carreg Wastad Point, near Llanwnda, on February 22, 1797.

Led by the Irish-American Colonel William Tate, the force had crossed the sea as part of a wider French Revolutionary plan to undermine Britain and encourage an uprising against the government.

Many of the troops belonged to the Légion Noire, or Black Legion, so called because of the dark uniforms they wore.

The French expected to receive support from the local population. Instead, their arrival caused alarm across Pembrokeshire as news of the landing spread through Fishguard, St Davids, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Pembroke and the surrounding countryside.

Residents armed themselves with whatever was available, while militia, sailors, volunteers and cavalry began assembling to confront the invaders.

The French operation soon descended into disorder.

Some soldiers left their positions to search local farms and homes for food and drink, while others abandoned their units altogether. The ships which had carried them to Pembrokeshire also departed, leaving Tate and his men without an easy means of escape.

British forces were gathered under Lord Cawdor, who established his headquarters at the Royal Oak after marching north with local volunteers, militia, sailors and members of the Pembroke Yeomanry Cavalry.

The gathering of troops and civilians on the hills surrounding Fishguard may have created the impression that the defending force was far larger than it really was.

According to one of the best-known versions of the story, local women wearing traditional red shawls and tall black hats were mistaken by the French for additional British soldiers.

The tale has become deeply woven into Fishguard folklore, although historians continue to debate exactly how much influence the women’s appearance had on Tate’s decision to surrender.

Another central figure in the story is Jemima Nicholas, remembered in Fishguard as Jemima Fawr, or Jemima the Great.

Tradition holds that Jemima armed herself with a pitchfork, confronted a group of French soldiers and marched 12 of them back into Fishguard, where they were confined inside St Mary’s Church.

Although the precise details cannot be fully verified through contemporary records, Jemima became a celebrated symbol of the courage and determination shown by local people during the invasion.

Her story featured prominently during the weekend’s re-enactment, which included a recreation of the French surrender to local forces and Jemima Nicholas.

By the evening of February 23, 1797, Tate’s position had become increasingly desperate.

Two French officers were sent into Fishguard seeking terms, but Lord Cawdor refused to accept a conditional agreement. He demanded the complete and unconditional surrender of the invasion force.

The following day, the French marched down towards Goodwick Sands, laid down their weapons and became prisoners.

The campaign had lasted little more than two days.

Despite its short duration, the invasion secured Fishguard’s place in British military history and created a story which continues to shape the identity of the town more than two centuries later.

That history is permanently recorded in the Last Invasion Tapestry, housed inside Fishguard Town Hall.

Created to commemorate the bicentenary of the invasion in 1997, the 100-foot embroidered work depicts the French landing, the response of local people and the eventual surrender.

Its narrative style was inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, with dozens of local volunteers spending several years creating a detailed visual record of the invasion.

Visitors attending the re-enactment were also encouraged to explore the wider history of Fishguard and Goodwick through a heritage trail linking 46 locations across the twin towns.

The trail covers more than 2,000 years of history, ranging from Iron Age settlement and the French invasion to the suffragette movement and the filming of the 1956 screen adaptation of Moby Dick.

For Fishguard and Goodwick, the re-enactment is more than a military display.

It gives residents and visitors an opportunity to walk through the locations where the events unfolded, see the uniforms and weapons of the period and understand the role played by ordinary Pembrokeshire people.

It also ensures that the history is passed to a new generation in a form which is immediate, accessible and entertaining.

More than two centuries after Tate’s army appeared off the Pembrokeshire coast, the sight of French troops marching through Fishguard once again showed why the last invasion remains one of the county’s most remarkable and enduring stories.

New Prime Minister admits politicians have “not been good enough” as he sets out a ten-year plan for Britain and pledges early action on the cost of living

ANDY BURNHAM has become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, promising a more stable and responsible government while admitting that politicians must do better to regain the public’s trust.

The former Mayor of Greater Manchester entered Downing Street on Monday, July 20, after being formally invited by King Charles III to form a government following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer.

Burnham becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in just over a decade and takes charge of a Labour government with a substantial Commons majority, but facing deep public frustration over living standards, struggling services and political instability.

In an unusually informal arrival, Burnham walked along Downing Street greeting supporters, shaking hands and sharing hugs before speaking outside Number 10 without a lectern or visible notes.

He used his first address as Prime Minister to acknowledge the scale of public disillusionment with Westminster.

Burnham said he knew “people at home are fed up with politics” and called on those in public life to rise to the challenge facing the country.

“I want to be honest with you: we have not been good enough and we need to be better. We will be,” he said.

A promise of honesty and stability

Burnham presented his arrival as a moment of reflection and resolution for a country that has experienced repeated changes of leadership and growing distrust in its political institutions.

He promised a more stable and responsible style of government, arguing that stability must be used to produce real improvements in people’s lives rather than simply preserve the political status quo.

The new Prime Minister said the country needed honesty about the scale of the challenges it faces and a government willing to confront problems that have been repeatedly postponed.

His message was intended to mark a break from the point-scoring and short-term political calculations that he has repeatedly criticised.

Burnham has said his government will focus on solving problems rather than manufacturing political conflict, with ministers expected to be judged on delivery.

He also paid tribute to Starmer’s service and indicated that his government would build on parts of the previous administration’s record rather than attempt to erase it.

However, his declaration that politicians had not been good enough amounted to a clear acknowledgement that Labour’s first two years in office had failed to meet public expectations.

Ten-year plan for Britain

At the centre of Burnham’s new government will be a proposed ten-year plan to change how Britain is governed and reverse the decline experienced by many communities.

The programme is expected to focus on the cost of living, housing, public services, social care, transport, industrial investment and the transfer of power away from Westminster.

Burnham has argued that Britain’s problems cannot be solved through announcements designed around a single Budget or electoral cycle.

Instead, he wants the government to make early investments and pursue longer-term reforms intended to raise living standards and rebuild economic strength across the country.

His plans include a major social and council housebuilding programme, reforms to social care, greater public control over essential services and a substantial expansion of regional devolution.

Burnham has also proposed establishing a “Number 10 North” operation in Manchester, focused on housing, utilities and economic regeneration.

The challenge will be turning that broad vision into funded policies at a time when the public finances remain under pressure.

Cost-of-living action expected

Burnham has indicated that helping households with the cost of living will be one of his government’s first priorities.

Families across Britain continue to face pressure from food prices, energy bills, rents, mortgages and stagnant wages.

The new Prime Minister is expected to announce early measures intended to give households greater breathing space, with energy costs and transport fares likely to be among the areas considered.

He has already abandoned the previous government’s proposed national digital identity scheme, saying resources should instead be concentrated on policies that make an immediate difference to people’s lives.

Burnham has also spoken about the need to reform an economic model which, he believes, has failed to deliver secure housing, reliable services and rising living standards for large parts of the population.

However, he inherits limited financial room, major defence commitments, pressure on the NHS and an unresolved social care crisis.

Any substantial spending commitments will need to be accompanied by a credible explanation of how they will be funded.

Starmer says his “work is done”

Sir Keir Starmer delivered his final address outside Number 10 before travelling to Buckingham Palace to formally tender his resignation.

He said it had been the privilege of his life to serve as Prime Minister and defended the achievements of his two years in office.

Starmer said Britain was stronger and fairer than when Labour entered government in 2024 and highlighted progress on workers’ rights, child poverty, immigration, defence and NHS waiting times.

He concluded by saying his “work is done” and that he was leaving Downing Street with good grace, a smile and pride in what his government had achieved.

Starmer also offered Burnham his full support as he passed responsibility for the country to his successor.

His departure followed months of pressure from Labour MPs over the direction of the government, its handling of the economy and the party’s declining public support.

Although Labour retains a large parliamentary majority, Britain has changed prime minister without holding a general election.

There is no constitutional requirement for Burnham to seek an immediate public mandate, although opposition parties are expected to continue demanding an early national vote.

From the “King of the North” to Number 10

Burnham enters Downing Street with a political identity built largely outside Westminster.

During his time as Mayor of Greater Manchester, he presented himself as a champion of communities overlooked by governments in London.

His public clashes with Whitehall during the coronavirus pandemic earned him the nickname the “King of the North” and helped turn him into one of Labour’s most recognisable figures.

Burnham returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by-election before securing overwhelming support from Labour MPs to succeed Starmer.

He was confirmed as Labour leader after receiving 379 nominations from Labour MPs and facing no rival candidate.

His political argument is that Britain has become too centralised and that decisions affecting communities are too often taken by institutions with little understanding of local needs.

As Greater Manchester mayor, Burnham oversaw the return of local bus services to public control and promoted a model of cooperation between government, councils and business.

He now wants to apply that approach nationally.

First Minister calls for a new relationship with Wales

Burnham’s arrival could have major consequences for Wales.

For the first time, a Labour Prime Minister at Westminster will work with a Plaid Cymru-led Welsh Government following Rhun ap Iorwerth’s election as First Minister.

Responding to Burnham’s appointment, the First Minister said the change at Number 10 presented an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK governments.

Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister, which presents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK Governments.

“I know that Andy Burnham shares my belief in the power of devolution to improve the lives of the people we serve.

“In that spirit, I hope we can speak the same language when it comes to devolving powers out of Westminster by strengthening, not bypassing, Wales’s national parliament and its ability to empower people and communities.

“I look forward to an early meeting with the new Prime Minister to agree how we can give Wales the powers it needs to grow the economy and build a fairer, more prosperous future for all.”

The reference to strengthening rather than bypassing the Senedd is likely to become central to the early relationship between the two governments.

Burnham has spoken frequently about transferring power away from Westminster, but much of his political record has focused on English councils, combined authorities and city regions.

The Welsh Government will seek assurances that any new programme of decentralisation recognises the Senedd as Wales’s national parliament.

It will oppose any attempt to transfer powers directly from Westminster to Welsh councils without the involvement of Cardiff Bay.

Pressure for further devolution

Plaid Cymru is expected to press Burnham over the devolution of rail infrastructure, policing, justice and control of the Crown Estate.

The Welsh Government will also seek a new approach to funding, arguing that Wales has repeatedly lost out through decisions made in Westminster.

Burnham’s record suggests he understands the frustration caused by excessive centralisation.

However, he will now have to demonstrate that his support for devolution extends beyond England’s large cities.

His promise to govern differently will be tested by whether he is prepared to strengthen the powers of a Welsh Government controlled by a political opponent.

The planned early meeting between Burnham and Rhun ap Iorwerth could therefore set the tone for relations between Westminster and Cardiff Bay for the remainder of the parliamentary term.

Welsh Labour sees an opportunity

The change at Number 10 also presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Welsh Labour.

Ken Skates, recently confirmed as the permanent leader of Welsh Labour, has welcomed Burnham’s emphasis on decentralisation and giving communities greater control.

Welsh Labour will hope the new Prime Minister’s popularity and more traditional Labour message can help the party rebuild following its historic defeat in the Senedd election.

However, tensions are likely between the Labour government at Westminster and the Plaid Cymru administration in Cardiff Bay.

Both parties will seek to claim credit for any additional funding or powers secured for Wales.

Plaid Cymru will argue that pressure from a non-Labour Welsh Government is necessary to win concessions.

Welsh Labour, meanwhile, will portray Burnham as a Prime Minister who understands the needs of communities beyond London and can deliver for Wales from within the Union.

What it could mean for Pembrokeshire

For Pembrokeshire, the test will not be the words delivered outside Downing Street but whether Burnham’s government produces visible investment and better services.

His promise to shift power and economic activity away from London could benefit rural and coastal communities that have long argued that national policy is designed around major cities.

However, a model based heavily on English city regions will not automatically answer the needs of west Wales.

Pembrokeshire faces limited public transport, shortages of affordable housing, pressure on health and social care, seasonal employment, fragile town centres and the continued loss of young people who feel they must leave the county to find secure work.

A genuine programme of national renewal would need to recognise that rural isolation can be every bit as damaging as deprivation in large urban areas.

Burnham’s plans for industrial investment could also have significant implications for Milford Haven and the wider Haven waterway.

The area is already central to Britain’s energy system and is seeking to position itself at the heart of future developments involving offshore wind, hydrogen, port infrastructure and lower-carbon industry.

A UK Government committed to reindustrialisation could bring substantial opportunities to Pembrokeshire.

Local businesses and communities will, however, want firm decisions on energy policy, grid capacity, investment and skilled employment rather than another series of announcements without delivery.

West Wales will also be watching closely for changes to rail funding and transport policy.

Successive Welsh governments have argued that Wales has not received a fair share of major UK rail investment.

Burnham’s claim that he will govern for overlooked places will carry little weight locally unless communities west of Swansea see better connectivity and a fairer distribution of infrastructure spending.

No guaranteed honeymoon

Despite Labour’s large Commons majority, Burnham is unlikely to enjoy an easy transition.

The Conservatives and Reform UK have questioned his mandate, arguing that the public voted for a government led by Starmer rather than Burnham.

They are expected to demand an early general election and portray the leadership change as an internal Labour appointment rather than a national endorsement.

Burnham must also manage competing pressures within his own party.

Some Labour MPs want a decisive break from the cautious approach associated with Starmer, while others fear ambitious spending commitments could damage confidence in the economy.

Businesses, investors and trade unions will closely examine his first Cabinet appointments and the details of his economic programme.

The first major decisions of the new government are expected quickly, with Burnham promising that political stability will be accompanied by action rather than delay.

A moment of possibility

Burnham enters Number 10 with considerable political advantages.

He is an experienced former Cabinet minister, a strong communicator and one of the few senior politicians to have developed a substantial political power base outside Westminster.

His informal arrival, without a lectern or prepared notes, was intended to demonstrate a more direct and personal approach to leadership.

But style alone will not be enough.

The new Prime Minister has promised honesty, stability, a ten-year programme of renewal and an economy that works for every part of the country.

For Wales, the central question is whether his belief in decentralisation will translate into greater respect, fairer funding and meaningful additional powers.

For Pembrokeshire, the question is simpler.

Will the arrival of a self-declared champion of overlooked communities finally bring investment and opportunity beyond Britain’s largest cities?

Andy Burnham has reached Downing Street promising that politics will be better.

His premiership will ultimately be judged on whether people hundreds of miles from Number 10 can feel the difference.

Photo: Getty Images

Annual report, finances and patient experiences will be discussed during online meetings on July 30

THE WELSH AMBULANCE SERVICE is inviting members of the public to attend its Annual General Meeting and bi-monthly Board meeting later this month.

The AGM will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Thursday, July 30, from 9.30am until 10.45am.

Members of the Board will provide updates on the Trust’s performance and financial position, as well as discussing its annual report and accounts for 2025/26.

There will also be an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to submit questions.

Colin Dennis, Chair of the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Our AGM is an important opportunity to reflect on the achievements and progress of the past year and the impact these have had on our services.

“This includes transforming the way we deliver services to provide patients with the right advice and care, in the right place, every time.

“It also gives us the chance to look ahead, share our vision for the future and explain the actions we are taking to achieve it.”

Questions can be submitted during the AGM using the Microsoft Teams Q&A function.

Alternatively, questions can be sent in advance by emailing [email protected] before Wednesday, July 29.

The Trust’s bi-monthly Board meeting will take place immediately after the AGM, beginning at 11am.

During the meeting, Board members will hear the findings of the Good Governance Institute’s recent external review of the Trust Board’s effectiveness.

They will also hear from Lucy Burrows, whose young son lives with a range of physical and neurodiverse conditions.

Ms Burrows will speak about her family’s experience of the patient-centred care provided by an attending Emergency Medical Service crew.

An agenda for the Board meeting is expected to be published on the Welsh Ambulance Service’s website shortly.

Questions for the Board can also be submitted in advance by emailing [email protected] by Wednesday, July 29.

The Microsoft Teams links for both meetings will become active around ten minutes before each meeting begins.