Battle of Fishguard 22nd February 1797
Summary
When was the last invasion of mainland Britain? It wasn't the Normans in 1066, or in World Wars One and Two, it was in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, West Wales in 1797, by the French! The invasion lasted 2 days and the French surrendered in the Royal Oak Pub (still open today) in Fishguard.
The Last Invasion of Britain: A Tale of Fishguard
The year 1066 is often mentioned as the last time Britain was invaded. But that's not quite true! The real last invasion of mainland Britain happened in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1797. This surprising two-day conflict, known as the Battle of Fishguard, is a remarkable story of an unlikely victory for the local Welsh people - with a heroic pitchfork-wielding woman at the centre of it all.
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A French Invasion Gone Wrong
In February 1797, a French invasion force of about 1,500 men, led by Colonel Tate, landed at Carreg Wastad Bay, near Fishguard. Their original plan was to attack Bristol, but bad weather and poor navigation led them astray. The invasion force was an unusual mix: only 600 of the men were trained soldiers, with the rest being convicts and prisoners who had been promised freedom if they fought.
Instead of advancing with military precision, the French soldiers quickly went off-mission, choosing to raid a local farmhouse for food and supplies. Meanwhile, the local British commander was at a dance party some four miles away. The British army was heavily outnumbered, but local citizens were gathering to resist.
The Legend of Jemima Nicholas
The French invasion lasted only two days, thanks in large part to the bravery of a local heroine named Jemima Nicholas. Armed with nothing but a pitchfork, she single-handedly captured several French soldiers and locked them in St. Mary’s Church. Her courage and resourcefulness inspired her compatriots and helped turn the tide of the conflict.
The French army, disorganised and lacking supplies, eventually surrendered unconditionally at the Royal Oak pub in Fishguard. Jemima's heroism was so significant that the government awarded her an annual pension of £50 for her actions. She is buried in St. Mary's church, where her gravestone proudly commemorates her as "the Welsh heroine."
Discover the History of Fishguard
Today, Fishguard is a charming coastal town of about 3,500 people, and an important ferry terminal for travel to Ireland but its history lives on. Visitors can still explore the sites of this incredible event:
- The Fishguard Tapestry: This 100-foot-long tapestry, created in 1997 to mark the invasion's 200th anniversary, beautifully depicts the story of the Battle of Fishguard. It took four years to complete and can be seen in Fishguard Town Hall.
- Carreg Wastad Point: Visit the memorial at the exact spot where the French forces landed, some 4 miles north of Fishguard.
- The Royal Oak Pub: Located in the central square of the town where you can step inside the very pub where the French surrendered. A wall plaque commemorates the event, and relics from the battle - including weapons and the table where the surrender was signed - are still on display. And some good beer and food too!
While you're in Fishguard, be sure to explore the town's other unique features. The Welsh name for Fishguard is Abergwaun, and its picturesque Lower Fishguard fishing village served as the backdrop for the films Moby Dick and Under Milk Wood. You can also visit nearby Strumble Head, home to a stunning lighthouse on a tiny island just off the coast.