HAVERFORDWEST,
which is considered as one of the largest towns in South Wales. It is very irregularly built, on the declivity of a hill, which is in some parts so very steep, that the ground-rooms frequently overlook the neighbouring roofs; yet there are some good houses. It is considered as a county of itself, and sends one member to parliament. The town was formerly fortified by a strong wall, or rampart, on the western summit; the shell of a once extensive castle is still remaining; this is now converted into a gaol.
The parade, commanding a cheerful view of the neighbouring country, and the ruins of an ancient abbey, extends for a considerable way by the side of a hill. At the extremity of this walk stand the ruins of an ancient priory of black canons; the remains are now very inconsiderable, but we easily traced the chapel, over one end of which is an arch, still in good preservation, and beautifully enwreathed with a rich drapery of ivy.
The castle, which was built by Gilbert de Clare, first Earl of Pembroke, was a strong edifice; but the keep now only remains; and that has been converted into a gaol. From its elevated situation, it has a commanding appearance, and an air of ruined grandeur, more interesting than the proudest modern edifice can boast.
Haverford is called by the Welsh Hwlfordh. [88a] Having finished our survey of Haverford, we started early the next morning, proposing to breakfast at