Overview

Ieuan Morris' striking images and fascinating accompanying text throw new light on one of Wales' most stunning regions, leading readers through Pembrokeshire locations frequented by pirates, smugglers, wreckers and others who have exploited the coastline from earliest times to the present day. -- Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru

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9781784617547

Table of Contents

Reviews

Pembrokeshire is special in many ways. Firstly, I suppose, it is the glorious seascapes bathed in a unique and ever-changing oceanic light. Secondly, the inland parts of the county have moorland and craggy outcrops interspersed with deep gorges and broad river valleys, flooded by post-glacial sea-level rise. Small fields and distinctive ancient farmhouses enhance a scenic and biological diversity that is becoming increasingly rare in our overcrowded country. And thirdly, there is a particularly rich and colourful history of which the locals, both English speakers and Welsh speakers, are inordinately proud. So this book should attract a lot of interest, especially at a time when travelling has been severely curtailed. In an intriguing and unusual device, Ieuan Morris introduces us to the picturesque wonders of Pembrokeshire by detailing the exploits of a gallimaufry of invaders, from the Vikings to us – modern tourists. Even the British government doesn't escape accusations of land-theft, as, in the years immediately after World War II, there were proposals to evict the population from 16,000 acres of land so that it could be used for army training. (In case you didn't know, there is a grubby history of this kind of unkind behaviour, from drowning communities to appropriating large areas of upland such as in the Brecon Beacons and Mynydd Epynt – all done ‘in the National Interest’). The well-composed photos show the land, and the sea, at their very best. A clear artistic eye is evidently coupled with patience and good equipment. The combination has resulted in a photographic essay that does worthy justice to this magnificent county. The text is lucid, well researched and interesting. On first reading, the writing may seem very straightforward, but one soon notices some pleasingly subtle humour running through it: a reminder that our barrister author has many years of experience in the creative vagaries of legal arguments. The photos are intermixed with a salty seasoning of anecdotes and half-forgotten histories. Local characters are brought to life with both pen and camera to document their unusual lives. The history of invasion is supplemented by a look at some of the extraordinary criminal activity, some of it very recent, that has frequently created excitement in Pembrokeshire's sequestered corners. An engaging secondary theme is the use of Pembrokeshire sites as locations for films. Morris cites a surprising number of these, including Moby Dick (in Fishguard, 1956), I Capture the Castle (in Manorbier, 2003), and Kevin Allen’s Under Milk Wood (in Solva, 2014). He points out the benefits to the local economy that come with these activities, in providing work, supporting businesses and attracting tourists. Throughout the book there is a refreshing air of positivity. This doesn’t mean the author avoids criticism where it is merited: he readily highlights the corruption that helped pirates to benefit from the prizes to be garnered by criminal activities in this remote corner of Wales. As a true upholder of the law, he rejoices in their ultimate downfall. The book is very well produced and designed, and has been expertly edited, so that it is a joy to possess and to read. All told, this humane and beautiful book is a very desirable addition to any collection of topographic and historical libraries. If you have a particular interest in south-west Wales, or, indeed, in maritime history, it is an essential purchase. -- Richard Hartnup @ www.gwales.com

Pembrokeshire is special in many ways. Firstly, I suppose, it is the glorious seascapes bathed in a unique and ever-changing oceanic light. Secondly, the inland parts of the county have moorland and craggy outcrops interspersed with deep gorges and broad river valleys, flooded by post-glacial sea-level rise. Small fields and distinctive ancient farmhouses enhance a scenic and biological diversity that is becoming increasingly rare in our overcrowded country. And thirdly, there is a particularly rich and colourful history of which the locals, both English speakers and Welsh speakers, are inordinately proud. So this book should attract a lot of interest, especially at a time when travelling has been severely curtailed. In an intriguing and unusual device, Ieuan Morris introduces us to the picturesque wonders of Pembrokeshire by detailing the exploits of a gallimaufry of invaders, from the Vikings to us - modern tourists. Even the British government doesn't escape accusations of land-theft, as, in the years immediately after World War II, there were proposals to evict the population from 16,000 acres of land so that it could be used for army training. (In case you didn't know, there is a grubby history of this kind of unkind behaviour, from drowning communities to appropriating large areas of upland such as in the Brecon Beacons and Mynydd Epynt - all done 'in the National Interest'). The well-composed photos show the land, and the sea, at their very best. A clear artistic eye is evidently coupled with patience and good equipment. The combination has resulted in a photographic essay that does worthy justice to this magnificent county. The text is lucid, well researched and interesting. On first reading, the writing may seem very straightforward, but one soon notices some pleasingly subtle humour running through it: a reminder that our barrister author has many years of experience in the creative vagaries of legal arguments. The photos are intermixed with a salty seasoning of anecdotes and half-forgotten histories. Local characters are brought to life with both pen and camera to document their unusual lives. The history of invasion is supplemented by a look at some of the extraordinary criminal activity, some of it very recent, that has frequently created excitement in Pembrokeshire's sequestered corners. An engaging secondary theme is the use of Pembrokeshire sites as locations for films. Morris cites a surprising number of these, including Moby Dick (in Fishguard, 1956), I Capture the Castle (in Manorbier, 2003), and Kevin Allen's Under Milk Wood (in Solva, 2014). He points out the benefits to the local economy that come with these activities, in providing work, supporting businesses and attracting tourists. Throughout the book there is a refreshing air of positivity. This doesn't mean the author avoids criticism where it is merited: he readily highlights the corruption that helped pirates to benefit from the prizes to be garnered by criminal activities in this remote corner of Wales. As a true upholder of the law, he rejoices in their ultimate downfall. The book is very well produced and designed, and has been expertly edited, so that it is a joy to possess and to read. All told, this humane and beautiful book is a very desirable addition to any collection of topographic and historical libraries. If you have a particular interest in south-west Wales, or, indeed, in maritime history, it is an essential purchase. -- Richard Hartnup @ www.gwales.com

Author Information

Born in Haverfordwest, Ieuan Morris lectured in Law in Manchester, London and Cardiff and practised in Criminal Law in Cardiff until retiring in February 2017. Now a full-time photographer, he does a lot of work for Pembrokeshire.online and has also been commissioned by Athena Picture Agency, Swansea and The Edge Cultural Festival, Solva. Born in Haverfordwest, Ieuan Morris lectured in Law in Manchester, London and Cardiff and practised in Criminal Law in Cardiff until retiring in February 2017. Now a full-time photographer, he does a lot of work for Pembrokeshire.online and has also been commissioned by Athena Picture Agency, Swansea and The Edge Cultural Festival, Solva.

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