Norman Walks
- Location : Pembroke
- Length : 2 miles
- Parking : Next to Pembroke Castle
- Picnics spots : There are benches and scenic views throughout the walk
- Accessibility : Generally quite a flat gentle stroll with one relatively steep incline
- Description of this walk : A circular walk around the town of Pembroke
More information
Take the walk
Pembroke's Norman history
Writer Phil Carradice has put together this gentle walk that takes in the Norman sites that can still be found in the town of Pembroke.
Step 1 - The Mill Pond
This is the site of the town's old North Gate that was pulled down in 1820 to provide easier access for carts and coaches.
Step 2 - Wogan's Cavern
This is a natural limestone cavern under the walls of this northern flank of the castle. The Normans used it as a storehouse and, possibly, a boathouse.
Step 3 - Monkton Priory
The church was once part of Monkton Priory, a Benedictine Priory granted to the Abbey of Seez in Normandy in 1098.
Step 4 - The Castle
Pembroke Castle has a superb Round Keep, built by Earl William Marshall in about 1200. It is one of the finest examples of a round keep in Britain, reaching up 100 feet into the air.
Step 5 - The Main Street
The parish church of St Mary's, off Main Street, sits in what was known as the West Ward, the earliest part of the town to be developed.
Step 6 - The Town Walls
Several sections of the old town wall and one or two defensive towers are still readily visible in this part of the walk.
Step 7 - East Gate
Pembroke's East Gate used to straddle the street here, across what is now called East End Square.
Step 8 - The North Wall and back to the Mill Pond
The town walls are well defined and maintained on this northern flank.
