The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #69601   Message #1181716
Posted By: HuwG
09-May-04 - 02:24 PM
Thread Name: BS: sairad Cymrw? Welsh for South West Wales
Subject: RE: BS: sairad Cymrw? Welsh for South West Wales
Cymru de dwyrain ?

My parents are retired and living in Pembrokeshire. The southern part of that county is indeed English in speech, accent and pastoral appearance. The only jarring note is the bi-lingual road signs and the presence of castles like those at Pembroke and Tenby.

North of Narberth and Whitland however, the general atmosphere is very much more Welsh.

Apparently, most of the desirable agricultural lands and harbours, which lie in the south of the county, were grabbed by Vikings (which accounts for place names such as Tenby, and Milford Haven). In mediaeval times, Flemings were allowed to settle there by some of the English barons. There is an imaginary east-west line, the "Welshry" which separates southern, viking / flemish / english Pembrokeshire, from northern, Welsh, Pembrokeshire.