Mayor - Pembroke Story

MAYORS OF PEMBROKE FROM 1381 TO 2002
Compiled by John and Carol Hogg
The following list of Mayors of Pembroke from 1658 to 1905 has been taken from a list kindly supplied
by Pembroke Town Council to which we have added some details of the personalities concerned and other
details from “A Historical Sketch” by George Mason (1905). Unfortunately, the lists of Mayors given by
George Mason and others differ considerably in places from that of the Town Council and they cannot be
relied upon for dates and persons. We have taken the Town Council list to be correct.
It seems that Mayors were elected in November and served until the following November until 1948
when the date of the Local Elections was changed to May. The Deputy Mayors in the years up to the 19th
Century appear to have chosen by the Mayor. In later years up to 1974, the retiring Mayor automatically
served as the new Mayor’s deputy. Since 1974, the position has been reversed and the deputy Mayor
becomes the new Mayor.
The list of Bailiffs has been taken from ‘Mayors of Pembroke’ published in the West Wales Historical
Records for 1915. The notes in brackets (…) are ours and those in black Italics are extracts from George
Mason.
We would like to thank the Town Clerk, Mr P. S. Lloyd and his secretary Mrs Marilyn Carne for their
help.
Pembroke Arms from John Speed’s map of 1610
1381 to 1699
1381. Richard Rowe.
1399. Geoffrey Mathew.
1419. John Lessery.
1526. William Owen. (Father of George Owen of Henllys the noted antiquarian and
genealogist. William Owen came to live in Pembroke in 1524.)
1537. Sir James Baskerfield (Knight). (Married Lord Fery’s daughter.)
1546. James Palmer. (Merchant.)
Bailiffs – Phillip Knethel and ? Davids.
1553. Otwell Taylor.
Bailiffs – Phillip ap Howell and Thomas Nicholas.
1567. John Russell.
Bailiffs – Henry Warre (Gent.) and Stephen David.
1570. Lewis Powell. (He moved to Greenhill from Court, Eglwyswrw. He married as his first
wife Mary Lloyd the illegitimate daughter of Robert ap David Lloyd and secondly
Katherine the daughter of John Herle of Trewent. His executor was his son by his first
wife, Morgan Powell.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Warren and Nicholas Roch
1571. Rice Gwynton.
Bailiffs – John Wade and Morgan Powell (Gent.).
1572. Richard Hynton.
Bailiffs – Hugh Owen (Gent.) and Lewis Smyth.
1585. Griffith Gwilym (Gent).
Bailiffs – John Davids and William Swynoe.
1591. Morgan Powell (Gent). (Merchant - Son of Lewis Powell who was Mayor in 1570. He married
Maude the daughter of David Wogan. He died on 2nd May 1622.)
Bailiffs – Francis Vaughan (Gent.) and David Adams.
1592. Richard Hynton. (Also Mayor in 1572.)
1593. William Barrett, (Gent).
Bailiffs – George Williams and Meredith ap Powell.
1602. Morgan Powell (Gent) (Also Mayor in 1591.)
Bailiffs – Richard Catchmay and John Sheere.
1603. Nicholas Adams. (The son of Henry Adams of Paterchurch who was Sheriff in 1588 and MP for
Pembroke Borough. He married Elizabeth the daughter of Morgan Powell and his son and heir
was William Adams. Nicholas Adams died on 22nd October 1628.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Adams (Gent.) and Henry Stevens (Gent.).
Drawing of Paterchurch by Adams c1811.
1604. Peter Williams (Gent). (He was a wealthy corn merchant exporting from Pembroke Quay.)
Bailiffs – David Adams and John Poyer (Merchant).
1606. William Barrett (Gent). (Also Mayor in 1593.)
Bailiffs – John Froyne and Thomas Llewellin.
1607. William Rogers (Gent). (Merchant. Married to Jane, the daughter of Morgan Powell the
Mayor of 1591).
Bailiffs – William Jones (Gent.) and George Powell (Gent.).
1608. Nicholas Adams (Esq.) (Also Mayor in 1603).
Bailiffs – Thomas Adams (junior) and Lewis Bushopp.
1609. Peter Williams (Gent). (Also Mayor in 1604).
Bailiffs – Phillip Saunders (Gent.) and Richard Gwillim (Merchant).
1610. George Powell (Esq.). (Probably the son of Lewis Powell, Mayor in 1570, by his second
wife Katherine Herle.)
Bailiffs – Hugh Powell (Gent.) and Owen Yonge.
1611. Lewis Bushopp [Bishop] (Gent). (He was the son of Matthew Bushopp. He lived at
Portclew and was a Notary Public).
Bailiffs – John Sidwell and Robert Rabson.
1612. William Roger (Gent). (Also Mayor in 1607).
Bailiffs – William Milet and Edward Webb.
1614. Nicholas Adams (Esq.) (Also Mayor in 1603 and 1608).
Bailiffs – Hugh Powell (Gent.) and Owen Bowen (Gent.).
1615. William Bollen.
Bailiffs – William Jones (Corvisor) and Thomas Llewellin (Glover).
1616. Richard Cuney. (Son of Walter Cuney. Richard married firstly Ann Craddock daughter of
Mathew Craddock and secondly Jane Powell daughter of Morgan Powell of Greenhill. Richard
was High Sheriff in 1615. He was also known as Rice.)
Bailiffs – John Poyer (Gent.) and John Rogers (Gent.).
1617. Richard Gwillim.
Bailiffs – John Jones (Gent.) and John Poyer (Gent.).
1618. Nicholas Adams. (Also Mayor in 1603, 1608 and 1614)
Bailiffs – Thomas Powell (Gent.) and Owen Younge (Gent.).
1619. Lewis Powell. (Son of Morgan Powell of Greenhill. Lewis Powell was M.P. for Pembroke
Borough in 1620 and 1625.)
Bailiffs –Maddock Robert and Owen Yong.
1620. No record.
1621. Richard Gwyllym. (Also Mayor 1617.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Llewellin (Glover) and John Sidwell.
1622. Lewis Powell. (Also Mayor in 1619)
Bailiffs – John Deane (Corvisor) and John Jones.
1624. William Rogers. (Also Mayor in 1607 and 1612).
Bailiffs - William Hinton and Thomas Stackpoole.
1625. Rice Cuney. (Also Mayor in 1616).
Bailiffs – Henry Banckes (Gent.) and Madoc Roberts (Gent.).
1626. Richard Gwyllim. (Also Mayor in 1617 and 1621.)
Bailiffs – William Henton and Richard Walter.
1627. Nicholas Adams. (Also Mayor in 1603, 1608, 1614 and 1618.)
Bailiffs – William Henton (Gent.) and John Johnes (Gent.).
1629. Richard Gwillym. (Also Mayor 1617, 1621 and 1626.)
Bailiffs – John Sidwell and John Jones.
1630. William Rogers. (Also Mayor in 1607, 1612 and 1624).
Bailiffs – John Roch and John Will (Gent.).
1631. Richard Gwillym. (Also Mayor 1617, 1621, 1626 and 1629.)
Bailiffs – Robert Browne and Phillip Thomas.
1632. Hugh Owen. (Son of John Owen who married Dorothy the daughter of Roland Laugharne
of St Brides. He was M.P. for Pembroke in 1626, 1628-29 and from October 1640 to
December 1648. He was High Sheriff in 1634 and was made a Baronet in 1641.)
Bailiffs – Richard Hellier and Phillip Thomas.
1633. Hugh Owen. (Also Mayor in 1632.)
Bailiffs – John Poyer (Glover) and John Thomas.
1634. No Record.
1635. Richard Gwillim. (Also Mayor in 1617, 1621, 1626, 1629 and 1631. His wife’s name was Ann.)
Bailiffs – Evan Southernwood (Gent) and Phillip Thomas (Gent.).
1636. No record.
1637. Phillipp Thomas.
Bailiffs – Lewis Gwillym (Gent.) and John Jones (Gent.).
1638. John Adams. (of Paterchurch).
1639. Hugh Owen. (Also Mayor in 1632 and 1633. Died in 1670 aged 66)
Bailiffs – John Deane and John Elliot.
1640. Phillip Thomas. (Also Mayor in 1637)
Bailiffs – John Jones (Corvisor) and William Poyer (Tanner).
1641. John Poyer. According to ‘Pembrokeshire County History Volume III‘, page 156, John
Poyer was Mayor in 1641.
1642. John Poyer. According to ‘The History of Little England Beyond Wales’ by Edward Laws – page
322, John Poyer was Mayor in 1642
1643. John Poyer. (During the following period, it is said that Poyer was making preparations to defend
Pembroke. The siege of Pembroke took place in 1648. Poyer was tried by court-martial and shot
in 1648 at Covent Garden. It is also said that Poyer abolished elections during the period of unrest
and this would account for the lack of entries for the following years.)
1644. No record.
1645. No record.
1646. William Cozens. (In 1670 he paid tax on seven hearths in Pembroke.)
Bailiffs – John Elliot and Robert Underston.
1647. No record.
1648. Walter Cuney. (Son of Richard Cuney. He married Lucy Powell daughter of Lewis Powell of
Greenhill. He was given the rank of Captain during the Civil War by the Parliamentarians. He
was also Mayor in 1659. He lived at Welstone and Cromwell is said to have stayed there.
Walter appears to have suffered more from his own side than from the enemy in having to
provide food and equipment.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Mendus and Thomas Price.
1649. Richard Browne. (He married Bridget, daughter of Sir John Meyrick of Monkton.)
Bailiffs – Walter Harries and Robert Understone.
1650. Mathew Bowen. (He was the younger brother of John Bowen of Wolfsdale.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Beede and Francis Rogers.
1651. Francis Rogers. (A tanner, a descendant of William Rogers, Mayor in 1607. In 1670 he
paid tax on five hearths. He died in 1701.)
Bailiffs – Hugh Mears (Gent.) and Thomas Llewelin Gent.).
1652. Edward Wills.
Bailiffs – Thomas Beede (Gent.) and William Clement.
1653. Devereux Browne.
Bailiffs – Thomas Beede and William Flemming.
1654. William Hinton. (He married Jennett Bagg and had three sons – Thomas, John and
Henry.)
Bailiffs – William Fender (Gent.) and Walter Harries (Gent.).
1655. Thomas Price.
Bailiffs – Robert Underston and William Rogers.
1656. Richard Browne. (Also Mayor in 1649.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Beede (Gent.) and Garrett Coursey (Gent.).
1657. Mathew Bowen. (Also Mayor in 1650.)
Bailiffs – William Bynon and John Sydwell.
1658. John Lort. (of Pricaston. He married Alice the daughter of Charles Bowen of Trefloyne.
He was High Sheriff in 1653.)
Bailiffs – John Battman and Thomas Standish.
1659. No record
1660. Walter Cuney. (Also Mayor in 1648. He may have died in office and was succeeded in August
1661 by Francis Rogers)
Bailiffs – John Meyrick (Gent.) and Garret Coursey (Gent.).
Francis Rogers. (Also Mayor in 1651.)
Bailiffs - William Clement and Richard Bedford.
1661. Essex Meyrick. (He was the eldest son of Sir John Meyrick of Monkton [died 1655]. Essex
Meyrick is reputed to have established the Meyricks at Bush and to have built the first house
there. He married Jane Corbett and was buried in the family vault at Monkton 24th April 1712.)
Bailiffs – John Donne (Gent.) and John Hellier (Gent.).
1662. William Cozens. (Also Mayor in 1646).
Bailiffs – John Hinton (Gent.) and Henry Thomas (Gent.).
1663. Francis Dawes. (He was the son of Henry Dawes of Pembroke by Margaret the daughter
of William Walter of Roch.)
Bailiffs – John Philpe (Gent.) and Morgan Powell (Gent.).
1664. Robert Mendus.
Bailiffs – William Beynon and William Fender (Corvisor).
1665. Robert Understone (He is supposed to have died in office and was replaced by Thomas Price of
East Pennar Farm for the remainder of the year.)
Bailiffs – John Gwyther and Henry Thomas (Gent.).
1666. Thomas Price. (Also Mayor in 1655).
Bailiffs – John Barrett (Gent.) and Henry Thomas (Gent.).
1667. John Hinton. (Probably the son of the Mayor of 1654.)
Bailiffs – Henry Davids and Hugh Elliot.
1668. Robert Mendus. (Also Mayor in 1664.)
Bailiffs – Lewis Moore and Henry Davids.
1669. John Meyricke. (of Bowett, Monkton - died 1st November 1681. He married Elizabeth Cuney
daughter of Walter Cuney of Welston. John was the son of John Meyrick [died c1635] who
married Lucy Powell daughter of Morgan Powell of Greenhill in 1594.)
Bailiffs – Nicholas Burrell and Hugh Elliott (Gent..)
1670. Thomas Lloyd. (He was the son of John Lloyd of Grove, Pembroke and was High Sheriff in
1669. He died in 1689.)
Bailiffs – John Coursey (Gent.) and Henry Thomas (Yeoman.)
1671. George Meare. (Son of William Meare of Eastington. He married firstly Hester daughter of
John Lort of Prickaston and secondly in 1705, Katherine, daughter of William Scourfield of New
Moat. George was High Sheriff in 1692.)
Bailiffs – James Underston (Gent.) and Henry Davids (Gent.).
1672. Griffith Dawes. (High Sheriff in 1665 and died in 1694. He was the son of Henry Dawes of
Bangeston, Angle and was one of the founders of Pembroke Grammar School. He married
firstly Alice Prichard by whom he had an only child, Phoebe, who married Griffith White of
Henllan. His second wife was Jane Bowen. He is buried in Angle where his memorial is
decorated with his Coat of Arms.)
Bailiffs – William Meylett (Gent.), Hugh Elliot (Gent.) and John Barrett (Gent.).
1673. Rice Powell.
1674. Francis Rogers. (Also Mayor in 1651 and 1660.)
Bailiffs – William Meare (Gent.) and Lewis Moore (Gent.).
1675. William Cozens. (Also Mayor in 1646 and 1662.)
1676. Mathias Bowen.
Bailiffs – John Gwyther and Lewis Moore.
1677. Essex Meyricke. (Also Mayor in 1661).
Bailiffs – John Dunn (Gent.) and Francis Standish (Gent.).
1678. John Hinton. (Also Mayor in 1667.)
Bailiffs – Henry Hinton (Gent.) and Thomas Moore (Gent.).
1679. Nicholas Burnell.
Bailiffs – John Davies and John Hughes.
1680. Mathias Bowen.
Bailiffs – Thomas Browne (Gent.) and Francis Standish (Gent.).
1681. John Coursey.
Bailiffs – Thomas Browne and Robert Understone.
1682. Lewis Gwyther.
Bailiffs – Francis Parry (Gent.) and Thomas Browne (Gent.).
1683. Richard Powell (Married Bridget Meyrick the daughter of Essex Meyrick and was living
at Bush in 1682.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Browne (Gent.) and Michael Parry (Gent.).
1684. Rice Bosher. (In 1670 he paid Hearth Tax on five hearths in Pembroke. He died in 1699).
Bailiffs – William Rossant and Henry Gwyther.
1685. Hugh Elliot. (During his term of office the two bailiffs were removed, either by death or
otherwise, and two new Bailiffs were appointed to fill their places.)
Bailiffs – Robert Understone (Gent.) and John Toms
Maurice Gwyther (Gent.) and John Jones (Gent.).
1686. Alexander Ford. (Mercer in Pembroke. His son William Ford was also a Mercer.)
Bailiffs – Nathaniel Whellin and David Rossant (Gent.).
1687. John Coursey (He probably died during his term of office and was replaced by Francis
Parry.)
Francis Parry. (Married Mary Cuney, daughter of Walter Cuney. He died in 1688.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Poyer and Nathaniel Whellin.
1688. Essex Meyrick. (Also Mayor in 1661 and 1677.)
Bailiffs – Nathaniel Wellin and Thomas Browne.
1689. Griffith Dawes. (Also Mayor in 1672.)
1690. Thomas Lloyd. (Of Grove, Pembroke. He married Mary Gwynn of Piodau, Carmarthenshire and
their daughter Elizabeth married Sir William Owen of Orielton. Thomas Lloyd was High Sheriff
in 1709 and died in 1711.)
Bailiffs – Phillip Gibbon (Gent.) and William Rees (Gent.).
1691. John Rickson.
Bailiffs – William ap Rice (Gent.) and Nathaniel Lewhellin (Gent.).
1692. William Skyrme. (May be William Skyrme of Llawhaden who married Jane daughter of
Henry Poyer of Grove, Narberth and died in 1730 aged 70.)
Bailiffs – Rice Boulin and John Symins (Gent.).
1693. George Meare. (Also Mayor 1671.)
Bailiffs – John Dun (Gent.) and Henry Hinton (Gent.).
1694. William Holcombe. (of Brownslate, Monkton.)
Bailiffs – George Meare (Gent.) and Mathew Bowen (Gent.).
1695. Roger Adams. (of Holyland. Son of Nicholas Adams of Paterchurch and his second wife
Hester Lort, daughter of Sir Roger Lort of Stackpole Court. He married Jane daughter of
William Skyrme of Llawhaden. He died in 1708.)
Bailiffs – Mathew Bowen (Gent.) and Robert Rogers (Gent.).
1696. Rice Bosher. (Also Mayor in 1684.)
Bailiffs – Mathew Bowen (Gent.) and William Fender (Gent.).
1697. William Field. (Died 1724)
Bailiffs – Henry Hitchings (Gent.) and Henry Gwyther (Gent.).
1698. Robert Lloyd. (He was a Mercer in Pembroke and died in 1702)
Bailiffs – Mathew Bowen (Gent.) and William Merchant (Gent.).
1699. Rice Bowling. (Died 1723 in St. Michael’s Parish, Pembroke)
Bailiffs - Mathew Bowen (Gent.) and Jonathan Welsh (Gent.).
1700 to 1799
1700. John Rogers. (Eldest son of Francis Rogers who was Mayor in 1651.)
Bailiffs – Jonathon Welsh (Gent.) and Phillip Pierce (Gent.).
1701. John Laugharne.
Bailiffs – Thomas Draper (Gent.) and Phillip Pierce (Gent.).
1702. Charles Owen. (of Nash, Llangwm. He was the son of Sir Hugh Owen of Orielton by Anne
daughter of Henry Owen of Bodeon, Anglesey. Charles Owen’s wife was the daughter and
co-heiress of Erasmus Corbett of Nash. He was High Sheriff in 1714 and died in 1716 aged 30.)
Bailiffs – Thomas Draper (Gent.) and John Saunders (Gent.).
1703. William Kinner.
Bailiffs – Henry Bushop (Gent.) and Robert Rogers (Gent.)
1704. Sir Arthur Owen, Orielton. (High Sheriff in 1702 and M.P. for Pembroke Borough in 1708.
Son of Sir Hugh Owen of Orielton by Anne daughter of Henry Owen of Bodeon. He died on
6th June 1753.) Bailiffs – Thomas Draper and Benjamin Couch.
Quote from George Mason – ‘Proclaimed Anne as Queen of England. The family of Owens
furnished many Mayors of Pembroke, but did not stop there, for members of this distinguished
family also furnished sheriffs and members of Parliament. It may not be generally known
that Sir Arthur Owen in 1707 rode to London to vote in favour of the Act of Succession which
secured the Throne of England to King Edward VII. and his predecessors by the vote thus
given, the number on either side being equal until he arrived. The clause on which he voted
was "That the Electress Sophie of Hanover, and her heirs, if Protestants, should succeed to
the Crown of the United Kingdom."
Sir Hugh Owen, Bart., who died at Barnes, London, in 1891, at the age of 89 years, was the
last of the family to enter Parliament. His son, Sir Hugh Charles Owen, formerly of the, 73rd
Highlanders, resides at Goodwick, Pembrokeshire.
Captain Wm. Owen, of the 52nd Light Infantry, son of the late Sir Hugh Owen, married a
sister of Dr Howard D. Reynolds. His brother was killed in the Crimea, and his name is on
the list inscribed on the monument to the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers, erected at Carmarthen
in honour of the fallen heroes of the Russian War, 1854-57’.
Orielton
1705. Sir Arthur Owen. (Also Mayor in 1704).
Bailiffs – Thomas Draper and Benjamin Couch.
The Owen Arms from a bookplate in a
book once in the Owens library.
1706. Thomas Parry. (of Manorowen in right of his first wife Martha. He
married secondly Elizabeth the daughter of Thomas Lloyd of Grove,
Pembroke. He was High Sheriff in 1718.)
Bailiffs – John Jones and William Tasker.
1707. Jabez Rickson. (A wealthy merchant of Pembroke. He was described by his contemporaries as
‘a mean person and a mere tool of Orielton’).
Bailiffs – George David and John Hitchings.
1708. George Meare. (Also Mayor 1671 and 1693).
Bailiffs – George Davies and John Hitchings.
1709. Richard Row. (Lived at Linney and married Elizabeth Meares daughter of Francis
Meares of Corston. They had two children, a son Francis and a daughter Alice. Richard Rowe
was High Sheriff of the County in 1729 and died before 1735. Fenton wrote in 1811 ‘Nearer the
sea is Linney, an old mansion, formerly the property and residence of the Rows, a family of
middling fortune’.)
Bailiffs – Francis Lacy and William Tasker.
Linney Farmhouse
1710. Joseph Rickson. (Brother of the Mayor of 1707. He died in November 1724.)
Bailiffs – Walter Harries and Benjamin Burnell.
1711. Nicholas Dunn. (Resided in the Parish of St Mary, Pembroke. His will was proved in
1734 by his widow Catherine Dunn.
1712. John Rickson – died 1712. (His brother, Joseph Rickson, Mayor in 1710, took over the office of
Mayor for the rest of the year.)
Bailiffs – John Hitchings (Gent.) and John Jones (Gent.).
1713. John Dunn. (Lived at Crickmarren in the Parish of Monkton.)
Bailiffs – William Richard and George David.
1714. Joseph Rickson. (Also Mayor in 1710 and 1712.)
1715. Richard Evans. (He was the uncle of Thomas Parry Esq. and died before 1723.)
1716. John Rogers. (Also Mayor in 1700.)
1717. Morgan Davies.
1718. William Bowling. (His son was Richard Bowling – Mayor in 1738).
1719. William Owen.
1720. Benjamin Couch.
1721. Joseph Rickson. (Also Mayor in 1710, 1712 and 1714.)
1722. Duncan Baine.
1723. John Owen.
1724. Sir Arthur Owen. (Also Mayor 1704, and 1705.)
1725. Lawrence Colby. (of Bletherston. He married Mary the daughter of William Warren of Trewern
in the Parish of Nevern. He died in 1738 aged 56.)
1726. John Warren.
1727. Morgan Davies.
1728. Sir Arthur Owen. (Also Mayor in 1704, 1705 and 1724.)
1729. Wirriot Owen. (The son of Charles Owen of Nash, Llangwm by his wife Dorothy the daughter
of Erasmus Corbett. Wirriot married Anne the daughter of John Barlow of Lawrenny.)
1730. John Owen.
1731. John Rogers.
1732. Joseph Rickson. (Also Mayor in 1710, 1712, 1714 and 1721)
1733. Morgan Davies.
1734. William Rogers.
1735. Sir Arthur Owen. (Also Mayor in 1704, 1705, 1724 and 1728).
1736. John Owen. (Also Mayor in 1730).
1737. Hugh Barlow. (of Lawrenny. M.P. for Pembroke Boroughs 1747 – 1754. He married
Elizabeth the daughter of Sir Arthur Owen of Orielton and had an only daughter who
married Sir William Hamilton. Hugh Barlow died in 1761.)
1738. Richard Bowling. (son of William Bowling who was Mayor in 1718. Richard died in 1769
during his year of office as Mayor.)
1739. Jenkin Ferrior. (of Pennar) Quote from George Mason - ‘Father of Colonel Ferrior of the 1st
Life Guards, who distinguished himself at the battle of Waterloo. It is on record that this officer,
to whose memory the tablet was placed in St. Mary's Church, Pembroke, charged at the head of
his men nine times, some of which took place after he had been severely wounded in the head’.
1740. Wyrriot Owen. (Also Mayor in 1729).
1741. Morgan Davies.
1742. Mathew Lord. (He was the son of Joseph Lord. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph
Rickson who was a well to do tradesman of Pembroke.)
1743. Henry Leach.
1744. Francis Meare. (of Corston. He was the son of Francis Meare and his
wife Anne Holcombe. He married Anne Elliot of Pembroke in 1726.)
1745. John Lort. (of Prickeston. He was High Sheriff in 1775. He died in
1800 and was the last of the male line of the Lorts.)
1746. Josiah Evans.
1747. Arthur Owen.
1748. Benjamin Ferrior.
1749. Richard Bowling. (Also Mayor in 1738.)
1750. William Biggins.
1751. Jenkin Ferrior. (Also Mayor in 1739)
1752. William Bowen.
1753. Wyrriot Owen. (Also Mayor in 1729 and 1740).
1754. William Holcombe. (Son of the Mayor of 1694.)
1755. Hugh Owen.
1756. William Webb. (Merchant of Pembroke.)
1757. Sir William Owen. (Of Orielton)
1758. Hugh Barlow. (Also Mayor in 1737.)
1759. Morgan Meylett.
1760. William Holcombe. (Also Mayor in 1754.)
1761. Richard Bowling. (Also Mayor in 1738 and 1749.)
1762. Erasmus Owen. (He resided at Southwood, Pembs. and was the son of Charles Owen of Nash,
Llangwm. He was a Captain in the Militia.)
1763. Richard Bowling (Junior). (Son of the Mayor of 1738 and his wife Frances. He married
Rebecca Allen the daughter of John Allen of Cresselly. He was dead by 1779.)
1764. Gwynne Davies.
1765. Hugh Lort.
1766
Richard Rowe. (Lived at Northdown, Pembroke. He was the Grandson of Henry Rowe of
Lamphey who was the brother of the Mayor of 1709)
1767. Caesar Mathias. (In 1756 he was living at Little Milford, Freystrop. He was High Sheriff of the
County in 1774 and died in 1795. His wife, Alice, was the daughter of Henry Leach of
Pembroke.)
1768. William Webb. (Also Mayor in 1756.)
1769. Richard Bowling. (Also Mayor in 1738, 1749 and 1761. He died during his Mayoralty and
was replaced by Jenkin Ferrior.)
Jenkin Ferrior. (Also Mayor in 1751).
1770. Pearce Llewhellin. (A saddler of Pembroke. He was the son of Richard Llewhellin yeoman of
Jeffreyston. He married his cousin Anne the daughter of Walter Llewhellin, Gentleman, of
Lawrenny. He was also the Postmaster. He was buried at St Mary’s, Pembroke 26th April 1801.)
1771. Jenkin Ferrior. (Also Mayor in 1739, 1751 and ?1769).
1772. Nicholas Roch. (He was born in 1744 the son of Nicholas and Lettice Roch of Paskeston. He
was High Sheriff in 1777 and died on the 17th November 1817.)
1773
Nicholas Dunn. (of Crickmarren. Son of Nicholas Dunn [Senior] of Crickmarren. Buried in
Monkton on 22nd October 1802).
1774. Jenkin Ferrior. (Also Mayor in 1739, 1751, ?1769 and 1771).
1775. Richard Rowe. (Also Mayor in 1766.)
1776. Hugh Owen. (of Orielton)
1777. Morgan Meylett.
1778. Pearce Llewhellin. (Also Mayor in 1770.)
1779. William Webb. (Also Mayor in 1756 and 1768.)
1780. Jenkin Ferrior. (Also Mayor in 1739, 1751, ?1769, 1771 and 1774).
1781
Richard Rowe. (Also Mayor in 1766 and 1775.)
1782. Pearce Llewhellin. (Also Mayor in 1770 and 1778.)
1783. Benjamin Webb. (Comptroller of Customs at Milford and son of William Webb. He married
Martha Smart at Jeffreyston 15th December 1791. He died on the 5th March 1807 and was
buried at St Mary’s.)
1784. William Webb. (Also Mayor in 1756, 1768 and 1779.)
1785. Richard Wright.
1786. Richard Rowe. (Also Mayor in 1766, 1775 and 1781.)
1787. Joseph Lord.
1788. Thomas Wright.
1789. William Humphreys.
1790. Nicholas Dunn. (Also Mayor in 1773.)
1791. Abraham Leach. (of Corston. He married Margaret daughter of John Allen of
Cresselly.)
Corston
1792. Nicholas Roch. (Also Mayor in 1772.)
1793. Joseph Lord. (Also Mayor in 1787.)
1794. Nicholas Dunn. (Also Mayor in 1773 and 1790.)
1795. Thomas Wright.
1796. John Leach. (Son of Abraham Leach of Corston born in September 1764 and died 11th
August 1837. He married Charlotte Gilchrist, (nee Voyle) widow of Frederick Gilchrist of
the East India Company, and daughter of George Voyle by Mercimnissa a native woman of
Calcutta.)
1797. Henry Kemm. (Lived at Northdown, Lamphey. Died 18th May 1803 aged 52).
1798. Benjamin Webb. (Also Mayor in 1783.)
1799. John Bowling. (Son of Richard Bowling. He married Elizabeth Leach the daughter of
Abraham Leach of Bulliber).
1800 to 1899
1800-1801.
Nicholas Dunn. (He was also Mayor in 1773, 1790 and 1794. Buried in Monkton
on 22nd October 1802.)
1801-1802.
John Leach. (Also Mayor in 1796.)
1802-1803.
Abraham Leach. (of Corston. He was the son of Abraham Leach, Mayor 1791. He
married Catherine Smyth of Devon. He served as High Sheriff in 1797.)
1803-1804
John Bowling. (He was of Bangeston, Angle. By 1830 he was at Bulliber,
Castlemartin and by 1835 at Northdown, Pembroke. He was the son of the Mayor of
1763 and married Elizabeth the daughter of Abraham Leach of Bulliber and his wife
Lettice, nee Dunn. John Bowling was Lieutenant in the Castlemartin Yeomanry. His
son Nicholas Bowling was the well-known agricultural improver.)
1804-1805.
Sir Hugh Owen. (of Orielton)
1805-1806.
John Leach. (Also Mayor in 1796 and 1801.)
1806-1807.
Thomas Wright.
1807-1808. William Humphreys. (Married to Maria Webb. He was the father of Rev.
John Hunter Humphreys who was Mayor in 1812 and 1820. He was described in 1814
as ‘until lately the Town Clerk of Pembroke’.)
1808-1809.
Nicholas Roch. (Also mayor in 1772 and 1792.)
1809-1810.
Anthony Innys Stokes. (He was the only child of Hugh Stokes of Hakin and his wife
Elizabeth daughter of Mathew Bowen of Pembroke. He lived at St Botolphs and was
High Sheriff in 1827 and Deputy Vice Admiral of Milford in 1812. He married Lydia
Mary Bond the daughter of Rev. John James Bond.)
1810-1811.
George Jones.
1811-1812.
John Stokes-Stokes. (His election as Mayor was disputed in court cases at Hereford
Assizes in 1814 and 1815. In 1814 the Jury was discharged without finding any verdict
but the result of the 1815 case is not known – see page 236 of ‘Pembroke People’ by
Richard Rose.)
1812-1813.
Rev. John Hunter Humphreys. (Son of William Humphreys Mayor of 1807. He was
Rector of Lawrenny from 23rd August 1808 and of Tenby from 23rd March 1831 until his
death in 1852.)
1813-1814.
Sir John Owen. (of Orielton)
1814-1815.
Rev. Charles Philipps. (The son of Rev. John Lewis Phillipps of Llanginning,
Carmarthenshire. He was Vicar of Pembroke from 1809 and Vicar of St Twynnells
from 1837. He married Leticia the daughter of Rev. George Jones the Rector of
Hodgeston. He died on 18th October 1853.)
1815-1816.
Rev. Nicholas Roch. (He married Jane Phelps. He was Curate at Pembroke and then
Rector of Talbenny from 1805. From 1811 until his death he was Rector of Tenby. He
was buried at Cosheston on 16th September 1830 aged 58.)
1816-1817.
Eyre Coote Lord. (Born 12th January 1784 the son of Joseph Lord and his wife Corbetta
who was the sister to Sir Arthur Owen, 7th Baronet of Orielton. Eyre Coot Lord’s eldest
brother, John, inherited the Orielton Estate and took the name and arms of Owen. He
occupied Cawket farm, Pembroke owned by his brother Sir John Owen and J. H.
Powell.)
1817-1818.
Anthony Innys Stokes. (Also Mayor in 1809.)
1818-1819.
Rev. Charles Philipps. (Also Mayor in 1814)
1819-1820. Anthony Innys Stokes. (Also Mayor in 1809 and 1817. As Mayor, he
objected to the proposal of the Admiralty to establish a Market in Pembroke Dock on the
grounds that the rights of selling belonged solely to the Freemen of Pembroke. The
Corporation won their case and the Admiralty eventually paid compensation of £3,000.
He was also Mayor in 1809, and 1817, and High Sheriff in 1827.)
1820-1821.
Rev. John Hunter Humphreys. (Also Mayor in 1812 and Deputy Mayor in 1816.)
1821-1822.
Jacob Richards.
1822-1823.
Rev. Charles Philipps. (Also Mayor in 1814 and 1818.))
1823-1824.
Jacob Richards. (Also Mayor in 1821.)
1824-1825.
Charles Owen Lord. (Son of Joseph and Corbetta Lord baptised at St Mary’s, Pembroke
17th August 1782. He married Martha Sergeant and died on 24th June 1847.)
1825-1826.
Rev. Nicholas Roch. (Also Mayor in 1815.)
1826-1827.
Joshua Whittaker Paynter. (A celebrated doctor, and very popular as a townsman. On
Shrove Tuesday each year, he kicked off the football at the Elm Tree, which was then
taken up by the people and kicked down the Main Street, Pembroke. It might be worth
recording that a football was kicked on the same day along King Street, Pembroke
Dock. He was the son of David Paynter, Attorney, and had three wives. He married
firstly Mary Williams, secondly Elizabeth Bryant and thirdly Mary Sophia Holcombe
nee Woods. He died on the 29th November 1866.)
1827-1828.
J. L. Philipps.
1828-1829.
Rev. Charles Phillips. (Also Mayor in 1814, 1818 and 1822.)
1829-1830.
Rev. Thomas Owen.
1830-1831.
Jacob Richards.
1831-1832.
Dr Joshua Whittaker Paynter. (Also Mayor in 1826).
1832-1833.
Mark Roch. (of Snailston, Cosheston in 1830 and Paskeston in 1835.)
1833-1834.
Dr Joshua Whittaker Paynter. (Also Mayor in 1826 and 1831).
1834-1835.
Mark Roch.
1835-1836.
Rev. Thomas Owen (He was Mayor until January 1836 when Dr J. W. Paynter was
elected in his place.)
Dr Joshua Whittaker Paynter (Also Mayor in 1826, 1831 and 1833).
1836-1837.
Owen Thomas.
1837-1838.
Dr Thomas Mansel. (Son of Dr Thomas Mansel and his wife Margaret Poyer. He
married Eliza Lord daughter of Edward Lord.)
1838-1839.
John Adams. (John Adams resigned and Henry Phillip was elected for the rest of the
term.)
1839-1840.
Henry Phillip
1840-1841.
Charles Poyer Callen. (An Attorney of Underdown, Pembroke. He was the son of
William Callen (Gent.) of Mountain near Narberth and his wife Anne, heiress of John
Poyer of Grove, Narberth. Charles Poyer Callen married Anne Mansell the daughter of
Thomas Mansell, Surgeon.)
1841-1842.
Peter Butler.
1842 1843.
Charles Poyer Callen. (Also Mayor in 1840.)
1843-1844.
Edward Laws.
Henry Philip. (He appears to have taken over the Mayoralty for part of the year.)
(Edward Laws was born at Foulsham, Norfolk. He was the Clerk of the Cheque and
Receiver of Stores in the Dockyard and brother to Captain John Milligen Laws R.N.
whose son Edward Laws wrote ‘The History of Little England Beyond Wales’ published
in 1888. He lived at No. 2 The Terrace in the Dockyard where he died on 2nd January
1854. His remains are in a catacomb at Kensal Green Cemetery in London. A
Memorial Tablet was placed in the Dockyard Chapel and this has been restored and
removed to the office of the Resident Naval Officer, Pembroke Dock. The inscription
on the tablet reads: "Sacred to the Memory of Edward Laws, Esquire, who departed this life on the 2nd of
January, 1854, aged 62 years and whose remains are deposited in a catacomb in
Kensal Green Cemetery, London
"This tablet is erected by permission of the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, who
expressed their regret at the loss the Public Service had sustained by the death of one
who had deservedly possessed the entire confidence of every Board of Admiralty under
which he had served. As a Principal Officer in the Dockyards of his Sovereign at home
and abroad for a period of nearly 40 years, he was long resident in this Dockyard,
where his worth and benevolence in private life not only endeared him to his numerous
friends but obtained him the respect and esteem of a large class of society in this and
the neighbouring counties."
Laws Street was being built when Edward Laws died and was named after him.)
Laws Street c1900.
1844-1845.
Morgan Davies.
1845-1846.
Charles Poyer Callen (Also Mayor in 1840 and 1842.) and Morgan Davies.
1846-1847.
Morgan Davies.
1847-1848.
Peter Butler.
1848-1849.
Edward Leach. (He was the son of Abraham Leach, Mayor in 1802.)
1849-1850.
Peter Butler.
1850-1851.
Thomas Lewis.
1851-1852.
Dr James Robertson Bryant, M.D. Quote from George Mason - Father of the popular
solicitor W. H. O. M. Bryant, of Manorbier, well known in yachting circles.
1852-1853.
Dr Joshua Whittaker Paynter. (Also Mayor in 1826, 1831, 1833 and 1835.)
1853-1854.
John Adams. (of Holyland)
1854-1855.
John Adams. (of Holyland)
1855-1856.
Dr Henry Prout Jones. (He was the son of Dr Ryce Jones and his wife Mary Leach. He
lived in Main Street, Pembroke.)
1856-1857.
Dr Henry Prout Jones. (Also Mayor in 1855.)
1857-1858.
Dr James Robertson Bryant, M.D (Also mayor in 1851.)
1858-1859.
William Hulm. (He was born in Coventry in 1806 and married Jane Steadman of
Carmarthen. His children were – Dorothy Jane Hulm, William Odyerne Hulm who
became Town Clerk, Steadman Edward Hulm and Frances Elizabeth Hulm. William
Hulm became a Banker in partnership with Robert Lock who was an Attorney and the
Bank was known as Lock Hulm & Co. He was Past Master of the Loyal Welsh Lodge
No. 378 [Freemasons] in 1844.)
1859 1860.
Dr Joshua Whittaker Paynter. (Also Mayor in 1826, 1831 1833 1835 and 1852.)
1860-1861.
Capt. James Cock (Timber merchant. He was the first Mayor chosen from Pembroke
Dock. James Cock was a bachelor who, together with another bachelor Mr John Hall, is
reputed to have built Tremeyrick Street (Bachelor’s Row). He was a Presbyterian and
attended St Andrew’s Church.)
1861-1862.
Dr. Joshua Whittaker Paynter. (Also Mayor in 1826, 1831 1833 1836, 1852 and 1859.)
1862-1863.
Dr Henry Prout Jones. (Also Mayor in 1855, 1856.)
1863-1864.
Dr Henry Prout Jones. (Also Mayor in 1855, 1856 and 1862.)
1884-1865.
Jonas Dawkins. Quote from George Mason- ‘A tanner carrying on business in
Pembroke. A son of the celebrated schoolmaster of Pwllcrochan.’
(He was born in 1817 the son of Jonas Dawkins of Henllan, Pwllcrochan and the nephew
of Samuel Dawkins of Bierspool.)
1865-1866.
Jonas Dawkins. (Died 24th June 1874, aged 56 years. He was buried on the 29th in
St. Daniel's Cemetery.)
1866-1867.
William Trewent. Quote from George Mason - ‘He was the first treasurer of the first
School Board in the Borough’.’
1867-1868.
Dr Henry Prout Jones. (Also Mayor in 1855, 1856 1862 and 1863.)
1868-1869.
William Thomas. Quote from George Mason - ‘Orange Hall, auctioneer, &c. He was
a member of the Castlemartin Yeomanry for 50 years, and being of immense bulk was
a notable figure on horseback. He died December 1887, aged 73, and was buried in
Monkton Churchyard with military honours, the band being present and members of
the corps.’
1869-1870.
W. Thomas. (Also Mayor in 1868.)
1870-1871.
Samuel Jenkins. (Bush Hotel, Pembroke Dock). Quote from George Mason - ‘An exdockyard official. Father of Mrs. W. F. Willing, Officers' Row, and of Mrs. R. H.
Williams, York House, Commercial Row. Mr. Jenkins possessed a sympathetic nature,
and for many years was a popular member of the Board of Guardians, during which
time he performed many acts of kindness. He was also an active member of Dr.
Jones's Charity for a long period.’
1871-1872.
Samuel Jenkins. (Also Mayor in 1870.)
1872-1873.
William Henry Lewis J.P., (A draper living in Pembroke Street, Pembroke
Dock. In 1881 William H. Lewis aged 60 lived at 3 Pembroke Street with his wife Eliza
aged 58 and their children Adeliza E. Lewis aged 25, Henry W. Lewis aged 22 and Laura
E. Lewis aged 17.)
1873-1874.
William Williamson. (Timber merchant. He opened the first steam saw mills at
Pembroke, 28th April 1870).’
1874-1875.
William Williamson. (First meeting of the Town Council held in Pembroke Dock,
18th November 1874.)
1875-1876.
William Johns, (Government contractor, King William's Street, Pembroke Dock.
In 1881 William John lived at 1 King William Street with his wife Sarah J. John aged 53
and their children Sarah J. John aged 22, George F. John aged 20, Louisa M. John aged
17 and Charles Arthur John aged 14. His mother in law, Sarah Jane Paris aged 74 and a
widow was also living with them).
1876-1877.
Captain John Alexander P. Adams. (In 1881 John Alexander P. Adams aged 50 lived at
Holyland with his wife Lucy Ellen Adams aged 44 and their children John Loftus Adams
aged 10 and Bertraim Edward Adams aged 9).
1877-1878.
Captain John Alexander P. Adams (of Holyland)
1878-1879.
William George Phillips. (He was a printer and started the first newspaper printed in
Pembroke Dock, the " Pembroke Dock Gazette." In 1881 he was aged 58 and lived in
North Meyrick Street with his wife Mary who was also aged 58, their daughter Mary
Jane Phillips aged 22 and their grand daughter Frances Evelyn Powell aged 3.)
1879-1880.
Robert George. (Wine merchant, Main Street, Pembroke).
The following is from George Mason: ‘On the occasion of the launch of the Edinburgh (built under the name of ‘Majestic’),
by the Duchess of Edinburgh, on the 18th March, 1882, at Pembroke Dockyard, Mr.
Robert George, as Mayor, received their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of
Edinburgh at Pembroke Castle, and presented an address. The address was
remarkably well worded, and the following extract together with the Duke's reply
thereto, may, at this time of apparent indifference, call due attention to the national
value of Milford Haven and its Royal Dockyard.
“We feel assured your Royal Highness, from your varied and extensive experience as
a sailor, sees and estimates the many great and magnificent capabilities this Harbour
possesses. Its natural and artificial defences, area, great depth of water, close
proximity to the coal fields of South Wales, geographical position, and the fact of a
very large and extensive docks now nearly completed, combine to render it one of the
safest, most accessible, commodious and fitting ports in the United Kingdom, both
from an imperial and a commercial point of view.”
To which the Duke replied as follows: -“I well appreciate how valuable to the nation
is the magnificent Harbour of Milford Haven, and I have every confidence that the
important works now in progress, and which I have just now visited, will largely
contribute to its great national advantage, and to the welfare and prosperity of the
country."
Mr. George was remarkably successful in business, and in advancing his business he
certainly improved the old town of Pembroke. He built the Cromwell Brewery and a
large dwelling house out of the ruins of the old customhouses in Castle Terrace,
formerly an eye-sore to Pembroke. He took a great interest in the welfare of the
National School at Pembroke Dock, and assisted Captain George Parkin, R.N., very
much, by virtue of his office, in raising funds to improve the school. Mr. George was
the only Mayor who attended the Dockyard Church on the Mayor's Sunday in
Pembroke Dock’.
1880-1881.
Robert George.
1881-1882.
Robert George.
1882-1883
Samuel Jenkins. (Also Mayor in 1770.)
1884-1885
Captain John Alexander P. Adams. (of Holyland House, Pembroke. Also Mayor in 1876
and 1877.)
1885-1886
Dr. Joshua William. Morison, M.D., Surgeon (of Elm Tree House, Pembroke).
Quote from George Mason - ‘Dr. Morison took a keen interest in the celebration of
Queen Victoria's Jubilee (50 years reign). As a lasting remembrance of the event, the
Borough Arms were fixed on the outside of the wall of the Town Hall, Pembroke,
bearing the name of J. W. Morison, Mayor, 1887’.
(In 1881 Dr Morison, aged 36 was living at Middle Row, Main Street with his wife
Mary aged 37 and their children Nora H. Morison aged 7, Lucy Rose Morison aged 5,
Constance Mary Morison aged 4, Mary B. Morison aged 2 and Annie E. Morison aged
1.)
1887-1888
William E. Seccombe (of Myrtle Villa, Pembroke Dock, Ex-Admiralty official.)
1888-1889
William Edward Seccombe - (Died during his term of office - Jonas
Nelson Trayler filled the vacancy for the remaining part of the official year. Jonas
Nelson Trayer was a tanner and the son of Joseph Trayler, a builder, and his wife
Phoebe who was sister to Jonas Dawkins.)
Quote from George Mason - ‘Amidst universal regret Mr. Seccombe died on the 12th
April 1889, and was buried at Kingswood Cemetery. Jonas Trayler, tanner, of
Pembroke, succeeded him as Mayor, and served to the end of the term 9th November
1889.
Mr Seccombe was a very popular mayor. He possessed deep religious principles,
was generous and charitable in his actions, and actively interested in the welfare of
both towns. He provided and placed at his own expense, the seats on the Barracks
Hill, and had his life been spared other things would have followed, for, on account of
the year he was serving as Mayor being the 300th anniversary of the defeat of the
Spanish Armada, he intended, in commemoration of that event, to bring the three
guns, relics of the Armada, lying at the extreme point of the Pole rocks at Linney, and
place them on the walls of the Pembroke Dock Market Home as a Naval trophy. He
also proposed a peal of bells to be placed in the tower of St. John’s Church, and
promised a liberal sum towards the object. Mr Kenneth McAlpin, C.E., prepared
plans and estimates for both proposals. However, the bread thus cast upon the
waters, was seen, under the guidance of the present Vicar of St. Johns, to good effect
in the celebration of King Edward's Coronation.’
1889-1890
Dr. J. W. Morison (Also Mayor in 1885.)
1890-1891.
Samuel Bolt Sketch. – (Baker, Flour Merchant and Mineral Water Manufacturer,
Bufferland, Pembroke Dock. In 1881 he was aged 34 and living in Hill Street [West
Side] with his wife Flora A. Sketch aged 22 and their son Leonard F. Sketch aged 5
months.).
Quote from George Mason - ‘On the occasion of the launch of the " Empress of India
"on the 7th May 1891, by the Duchess of Connaught ,Mr Sketch received their Royal
Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Connaught at the Market House Hall, and
presented an address. It was a remarkable gathering, and the whole arrangements
highly successful. Mr Sketch was the first Councillor to take up the improvements of the
Pennar roads.’
The old and pleasant custom of presenting a silver cradle to the Mayor who happens to
be blessed with an increase of his family during his year of Mayoralty was happily
realised by Mr. Sketch, through the birth of a son. Mr. Sketch is no doubt proud of such
a rare distinction, and the cradle will be an heirloom of respect and honour which his
descendants will value.
1891-1892
Samuel Bolt Sketch.
1892-1893.
Samuel Bolt Sketch.
1893-1894
Dr. William Barrow Wall, M.D, ‘The Green, Pembroke.
Quote from George Mason - Dr. Wall suggested such great improvements in the
existing water supply to Pembroke, which were adopted, and thus saved the
ratepayers from a more expensive scheme.’
1894~1895. John Henry Bowling. (In 1881 J. H. Bowling, a Chemist, Dentist and
Auctioneer aged 32 was living at 1 Dimond Street with his wife Catherine M. H.
Bowling and their three children – Elizabeth M. Bowling aged 2, William Henry
Bowling also aged 2 and Thomas George H. Bowling aged 1.)
Quote from George Mason - ‘Chemist, &c., Pembroke Dock. Brother of Mr. Thomas
Bowling, of Commercial Row, and father of Mr. W. H: Bowling, chemist and dentist,
of Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock.’
1895-1896
Walter Simon. (In 1881 Walter Simon, a general merchant aged 30,
was living in Monkton Village with his wife Mary E. Simon aged 27 and their three
children Frances E. aged 6, Ernest Ll. aged 4 and Norman Ll. aged 2.)
Quote from George Mason ‘Auctioneer and corn merchant, Pembroke. One of the
sons from Throstle Mill, which furnished several public men.
1896-1897
Samuel J. Allen. Quote from George Mason - ‘Photographer, Bush
Street, Pembroke Dock. Queen Victoria's Dimond Jubilee occurred during Mr Allen's
term of office, and he acquitted himself splendidly during the celebration of the happy
event. He proved himself an excellent leader and organizer, and will be long
remembered as having, been chiefly instrumental in founding the Nurses Home and
Meyrick Wards in North Park Street, Pembroke Dock, as a permanent
commemoration of the Dimond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Mr Allen was honoured as
one of the Mayors received by the late Queen at Windsor Castle’.
Alderman S. J. Allen
1897-1898
John Charles Froyne. Quote from George Mason - ‘of Castle Terrace, Pembroke, ex
chief constructor of Pembroke Dockyard, well known for his achievements in the
naval service of the country. His name will be locally associated with the
improvements in the Clock Tower of Pembroke, and the fixing of a new illuminated
clock therein.
1898-1899
William Davies. Quote from George Mason - ‘Princes Street, Pembroke Dock, exdockyard official, and a St. Peter's Boy, of Carmarthen. On the occasion of the
launch of the last Royal yacht “Victoria and Albert” by Her Royal Highness the
Princess of Wales, the Mayor Mr. Davies, received their Royal Highnesses the
Princess of Wales and the Duke of Connaught at Pembroke Castle, and presented an
address. As chairman of the Water Committee of the Town Council, he was chiefly
responsible for bringing water into the town, at a comparatively small outlay, from an
adit driven into the hill immediately eastward of Prospect Place. Reservoirs were
constructed near this adit, and standards placed at convenient places throughout the
principal part of the town, for supplying water. It proved at the time to be a very great
boon, and saved the town from a recurring water famine, for it must be remembered
that the lower part of the town, built on a limestone strata, had to depend entirely on
the rainfall, which in some years was painfully small. The plans for this water supply
were executed by Mr. Kenneth McAlpin, CE., who also supervised carrying them to a
successful issue. These water works, although superseded, still form an excellent
subsidiary storage. (Known as Imble waterworks. They are now unused but are still
there.)
Apart from municipal matters, Mr Davies has, throughout his life in the town,
been an excellent citizen, and identified himself with religious and social
undertakings. His name will always be associated with the first venture of planting
trees in the town, in Commercial Row, in which good work he was materially assisted
by Mr. James Hutchings, Mr. W. M. Griffiths, Pembroke, Mr. Joseph Tucker (founder
of Tucker's establishment in the town), Mr. Arthur Ll. Williams, Mr. Kenneth McAlpin,
Mr. Fred J. Lewis, Mr. Tom Bowling, Mr. John Morgan, Captain Hurlow, Mr. A.
Rollings, Dr. R. H. Williams, and others. By their efforts seats have also been placed
in Commercial Row, but it would be much more in keeping with the wish of the public
if they were transferred to the Barracks Hill.
1899-1900
John Rixon. Quote from George Mason - ‘John Rixon, Pembroke, an
ex-dockyard official. His name will be remembered in connection with the South
African war, for he occupied the chair on the occasion of the send-off given to the
local Yeomanry in the Town Hall, at Pembroke, at a time when the eyes of the whole
nation were watching the outcome of a struggle of a most exciting character.
The Rixon family, the writer is informed, was well-known in Pembroke 400 years ago.
They were mercers and merchant shippers. Some of the family inter-married with the
families of the Lorts and the Adams's, and this may account for the fact that William
Adams, of Holyland, who died in 1745, married Ann Rickson.’
1900 to 1974
1900-1901
Angus McColl. (In 1881 he was Foreman of Engineers in the
Dockyard and lived at 23 Laws Street South with his wife Margaret and their six
children.)
Quote from George Mason - ‘Laws Street, Pembroke Dock, an ex-dockyard official.
He proclaimed King Edward VII. at Pembroke Castle, close to the spot where Henry
VII. was born and also from a platform erected in Albion Square, Pembroke Dock.
The latter, which was attended by the military, drawn up in three sides of the square,
was of a most imposing character. The soldiers and the people assembled, completely
filled the large space opposite the Congregational Chapel. It was a trying situation
for the Mayor, but he was in splendid voice, and acquitted himself well.
To commemorate the Proclamation in Pembroke, the following tablet was fixed on the
outside part of the Town Hall.
King Edward VII, Proclaimed King 29th January 1901, by
John Evans, Esq., High Sheriff of the County of Pembroke,
and by Angus McColl, Mayor of the Borough, 1900-1901.
In municipal matters, Mr. McColl, through his knowledge of engineering, has been a
tower of strength in the introduction and development of the complete and adequate
water supply to the town from Milton.
His social and religious work in the town have been great, for he has always been at
his post, and his connection with the Mechanics' Institute in times of need as well as in
times of prosperity, has been unswerving and decidedly helpful; his name will go down
to posterity as a promoter of the intellectual growth of the town. Mr. McColl, J.P., sat
on the Bench, in the capacity of Sheriff, during the proceedings of the scrutiny and
election petition-General Laurie v Thomas Terrell, K.C.-at Haverfordwest’.
1901-1902
Daniel Davies. Quote from George Mason - ‘Auctioneer &c, Alleston, Pembroke.
Mr. Davies made a very good Mayor, and associated himself with the welfare of both
towns. King Edward VII., accompanied by Queen Alexandra, visited the locality
during his mayoralty, but the visit was of a private character.’
1902-1903
J. Hutchings. Quote from George Mason - ‘Draper, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock. He
did some good work in bringing about an understanding in finance between Borough
and County Councils. Being a good fluent speaker, his services during his Mayoralty
were valuable as chairman of social and religious meetings, and his fearless and
outspoken characteristics command respect in his magisterial and Municipal duties.
During his Mayoralty, the new Education Act came into force, also the new Licensing
Act. To apply the provisions of these Acts in a satisfactory manner, required a good
deal of tact and entailed much labour, which the Mayor applied, and proved himself a
capital administrator.’
1903-1904
W. M. Griffiths. Quote from George Mason - ‘Grocer, Pembroke. A
Pembroke Dock boy, who by dint of perseverance and strict attention to his work,
became a successful man of business. Like his predecessor, his services as chairman
of meetings were much sought after. His name will be remembered in Pembroke Dock
in connection with the planting of trees in Commercial Row.’
1904-1905
William Phillips. Quote from George Mason - Coal merchant and contractor,
Queen's Square, Pembroke Dock. His great capacity for work, and aptitude for
organisation, even when a lad, together with his straightforwardness of speech and
character, secured him a good position in business, and the respect of his fellowtownsmen. He makes a very good Mayor, and has done some good work in municipal
matters, which is well known. His efforts in the religious life have been remarkably
good, especially in connection with the building and clearing off the debt of the Gilgal
Chapel, Pennar, and his capacity as a leader and organiser of big things, is
demonstrated in his starting the Easter Eisteddford in the Market Hall of this town,
about eight years ago, and which has continued since with marked success to the
present. He planned the seating, and was responsible for the management generally.
1905-1906. Arthur Francis Beddoe. (Charles David & Arthur Francis Beddoe,
Ironmongers, Main Street, Pembroke. He was the fourth son of James Beddoe of
Pembroke and the C.O. of the 4th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment.)
1906-1907
John Lawrence. (He was the son of William Lawrence of Pembroke Dock and his wife
Dorothy. After some time in a solicitor’s office he was employed by T. McMasters,
timber merchants, where he later became general manager. He married the daughter of
Anthony Wyatt of House Farm, Somerset. In 1881 John was aged 25, unmarried and
employed as a merchants clerk.)
1907-1908
Frederick Stoneman Reed.
1908-1909
Charles Young. (A builder living at 51 Gwyther Street in 1914. His stores
and workshops were in King William Street. As well as many houses, he built the
Masonic Hall in Bush Street and the Coronation School in Meyrick Street.)
1909-1910
Rees Phillips. (He was the son of Benjamin Phillips of Cilhernin farm,
Llanboidy. He came to Pembroke in 1884 and on the death of Mr George Henry Barrett
purchased his cabinet making business in Main Street. He was also involved in setting
up the first cinema in Pembroke in the Old Assembly Rooms in the 1920s.)
1910-1911
William Smith. (He was the son of former Town Councillor Daniel Smith. After many
years working in the Dockyard he opened a stationer’s business in Meyrick Street. He
married Annie the daughter of Alderman E. Wilkins.)
From a cartoon by ‘Matt’ of the Sunday Graphic
1911-1912
John Jones. (He was born in 1836 and in 1871 he set up a business as a stone and lime
merchant at Grove, Pembroke and traded there until 1911. He married the daughter of
John Morgan of Grove.)
1912-1913
John Grieve. (John Grieve came from Dunfermline with his brother William Wilson
Grieve. They built a shop on the north side of Dimond Street [No. 19] and set up a
draper’s business as William and John Grieve, draper, tailors, hatters, hosiers and
outfitters. From there they expanded to 36 Bush Street [later renumbered 66, ‘Ettrick
House’] which had been the Co-operative stores and where a serious fire had occurred.
In 1881 John Grieve lived in Church Street with his wife Maria Jane Grieve and their
four children – Alexander James Grieve, Francis Isabella Grieve, Ethel Maria Grieve and
Martha Ellen Grieve. Later they moved from Church Street to the ‘Homestead’, 75 Bush
Street.)
1913-1914
William Robinson.
1914-1915
William James Morris. (Son of John Morris. He was a butcher trading at 54 Main
Street, Pembroke.)
1915-1916
Arthur Francis Beddoe. (Also Mayor in 1905.)
1916-1917
William Evans.
1917-1918
William Henry Bowen. (A haulier living at Bengal Villas in 1914.)
1918-1919
Joseph Gibby. (A farmer and haulage contractor of Bierspool Farm and Hill Farm.)
1919-1920
Owen Davies.
1920-1921
Owen Hire. (A ‘Jobmaster’ living at 51 Laws Street in 1914.)
1921-1922
Henry Ogleby. (H Ogleby & Son, butcher of St Michael’s Square, Pembroke.)
1922-1923
David John.
1923-1924
Rees Phillip Thomas.
1924-1925
William George Lloyd. (During his year as Mayor the Memorial Park,
Pembroke Dock was opened on Saturday 2nd May 1925 by Lady Mary Meyrick.)
1925-1926
William Wright George. (He was a farrier. In 1939 he was living at 10 Paradise Row,
Pembroke with his wife Mary Margaret Wright.
From a cartoon by ‘Matt’ of the Sunday Graphic
1926-1927
James Brown.
1927-1928
John Rowlands.
1928-1929
John Henry.
1929-1930
John Loftus Adams. (of Holyland).
1930-1931
George Ernest Manning. (A Draper of 66 Bush Street.)
1931-1932
John Hay.
1932-1933
Frederick G. Lawrence.
1933-1934
Robert George Ferrier. (Farmer of Orange Hall, Monkton.)
1934-1935
George Mumford Voyle. (In 1939 he was living at 11 Park Street)
From a cartoon by ‘Matt’ of the Sunday Graphic
1935-1936
William Joseph Gwilliam. (He was known as ‘Billy Sticks’ because of his lameness. He
kept a Tobacconist and Confectioner’s shop at ‘Brick House’, 2 Main Street, Pembroke.)
From a cartoon by ‘Matt’ of the Sunday Graphic
1936-1937
Frederick James Gay.
From a cartoon by ‘Matt’ of the Sunday Graphic
1937-1938
Dennis Gilbert Rees.
1938-1939
William George Munro.
1939-1940
John Gwyther.
1940-1941
George Brown.
1941-1942
Thomas William Colley. (of the Builder’s Merchants, Sawmills and Coal Merchants,
T. W. Colley & Sons, Station Road.)
1942-1943
Frederick William Tucker.
1943-1944
George Henry Jenkins. (of Priory Farm, Monkton. He was a Farmer and well known
racehorse breeder.)
1944-1945
William James John Phillips.
1945-1946
T' W .J. Morris.
1946-1947
Joseph Mathias Gibby. (of the Bird in Hand, 3 Lewis Street.)
1947-1949
Arthur Francis Beddoe. (Representation of the People Act 1948 - extension of the Office
of Mayor. The date of the election of Councillors was altered from November to May.
The Mayor elected in November 1947 therefore served until May 1949)
1949-1950
J. S. James.
1950-1951
A. W. Hopkins.
1951-1952
J. R. Williams.
1952-1953
Charles E. A. Green. (living at 10 Belmont Terrace in 1939. He was an engine driver for
the GWR and later British Rail.)
1953-1954
Darrell W Rees. (Manager of the Pembroke Dock gas undertaking)
1954-1955
George A. Wheeler. (Hotelier)
1955-1956
George Burton. (Farmer and butcher of Woodsend Farm, Pembroke.)
Pembroke Borough Council 1955
The above caption may be read more easily by increasing the screen size to 200%
1956-1957
Rufus Jones.
1957-1958
William Nevin.
1958-1959
Alec C. Colley. (of the Builder’s Merchants, Sawmills and Coal Merchants T. W. Colley
& Sons, Station Road. He was the son of the Mayor of 1941.)
1959-1960
William G. Munro.
1960-1961
Russell Wood.
1961-1962
John Sidney Rees.
1962-1963
William Joseph Gwilliam. (Also Mayor in 1935-1936.)
1963-1964
William Carr. (He lived at 22 Church Street in 1939 with his wife Gwendoline)
1964-1965
Ernest Leslie James Morgan. (Hairdresser with a shop in Main Street and later in Dark
Lane. He lived in Woodbine Terrace)
1965-1966
John R. Powell. (Headmaster)
1966-1967
Mrs Margaret M. Mathias. (Owner of ‘Margaret’s’ China Shop, Main Street and the first
Lady Mayor of Pembroke Borough.)
1967-1968
James A. Meyrick Owen. (Solicitor. He was the prime mover in obtaining a separate
Town Council for Pembroke Dock and was their first Town Clerk in 1986.)
Pembroke Dock Councillors Phil Lloyd and C. H. Thomas with James Meyrick Owen
and the Town Clerk John Hogg. The occasion is the retirement of Mr Meyrick Owen
as Town Clerk in March 1987.
Photograph by Martin Cavaney
1968-1969
1969-1970
Edward Wrench.
John Douglas Bruce Macdiamid.
1970-1971
Mrs. Margaret M. Wrench. (Wife of Edward Wrench)
1971-1972.
Cledwyn Edward Nichols (Schoolmaster)
1972-1973
W H D Griffiths (Mayoress Miss Shan Griffiths)
1973-1974
Charles H Thomas. (He was the last Mayor of Pembroke Borough.)
Pembroke Borough Council Staff at the Llanion Offices in 1974
LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
In the Local Government reorganisation of 1974 Pembroke Borough Council disappeared and South
Pembrokeshire District Council took its place. It was an amalgamation of five Councils – Pembroke Borough
Council, Pembroke Rural District Council, Tenby Borough Council, Narberth Urban District Council and
Narberth Rural District Council.
The Coat of Arms of South Pembrokeshire District Council
Community Councils were formed and Pembroke Town Council came into being. Town Councils were
allowed to elect a Mayor and so the tradition continued. In 1986 as a result of a Boundary Commission Report,
Pembroke Dock Town Council was formed and it too had a Mayor.
1974 to 2002
PEMBROKE TOWN COUNCIL
The motto in Norman French is ‘We Serve as One’.
1974 - 1975 Councillor D. M. Davies
1975 - 1976 Councillor W J Jones
1976 - 1977 Councillor J H Gough
1977 - 1978 Councillor D P Kingdom
1978 - 1979 Councillor Mrs P Peachey
1979 - 1980 Councillor K B Phillips
1980 - 1981 Councillor E L J Morgan
1981 - 1982 Councillor C H Thomas
1982 - 1983 Councillor Mrs R K Thomas
1983 - 1984 Councillor W J Davies
1984 - 1985 Councillor D H Lloyd –
1985 - 1986 Councillor Mrs P E George
1986 - 1987 Councillor C J Collins
1987 - 1988 Councillor W R Baker
1988 - 1989 Councillor E J Reed
1989 - 1990 Councillor K B Phillips
1990 - 1991 Councillor K B Phillips
1991 - 1992 Councillor Mrs S E Levesley
1992 - 1993 Councillor D M Davies
1993 - 1994 Councillor C J Collins
1994 - 1995 Councillor M R Crossman
1995 - 1996 Councillor Mrs G A Hay-Watkins, BEM.
1996 - 1997 Councillor D M Davies
1997 - 1998 Councillor K B Phillips
1998 - 1999 Councillor D M Davies
1999 - 2000 Councillor C J Collins
2000 - 2001 Councillor W H Pugh
2001 - 2002 Councillor A. A Brinn
2002 - 2003 Councillor K. N. Nicholas
PEMBROKE DOCK TOWN COUNCIL
The Latin motto’ Semper Fidelis’ (Always Faithful)
was suggested by Councillor C. H. Thomas
1986 - 1987 Councillor C.H. Thomas (Chairman)
1987 - 1988 Councillor C.H. Thomas (Mayor)
1988 - 1989 Councillor I.E. Morgan
1989 -1990 Councillor Mrs. M. Williamson
1990 - 1991 Councillor Mrs. P.E. George
1991 - 1992 Councillor S.J. Roch
1992 – 1993 Councillor B. J. Hall
1993 - 1994 Councillor D.L. Jones
1994 - 1995 Councillor Mrs. Beryl Roch
1995 - 1996 Councillor Mrs. P.E. George
1996 - 1997 Councillor Mrs. M. Williamson
1997 - 1998 Councillor D.L. Jones
1998 - 1999 Councillor Mrs. V.M.J. Roach who resigned due to illness.
Replaced by Councillor Mrs. P.E. George
1999 - 2000 Councillor Mrs. P.E. George
2000 - 2001 Councillor Mrs P E J Folland
2001 - 2002 Councillor D. T. Esmond
2002 - 2003 Councillor Mrs. P.E. George
Pembroke Dock Town Council 1993-1994
Photograph by Martin Cavaney.
SOURCES
Pembroke Town Council – List of Mayors
‘Pembroke People’ – Richard Rose.
‘A Historical Sketch of Pembroke Dock’ – George Mason c1905.
‘The Meyricks of Bush’ – Michael McGarvie FSA.
Pembrokeshire Record Office – Bush Estate Records and various Trade Directories.
‘Pembrokeshire County History, Volumes II and III.’
‘Historic Pembrokeshire Homes and their Families’ by Hugh Charles Jones
‘Sheriffs of the County of Pembroke, 1541 – 1974’ by Dillwyn Miles
‘Mayors of Pembroke, West Wales Historical Records – 1915’.
’
© John and Carol Hogg,
Meadow Cottage,
Lords Meadows Farm,
Pembroke.
September 2002.
060902