Milford Haven – Centuries of History

Courtesy of Port of Milford Haven

Milford Haven isn’t just a name on the Pembrokeshire map. It’s home to some 15,000 people and its history reaches way back.

The modern town was founded in the late 18th century by Sir William Hamilton. But its name came from the natural harbour of Milford Haven, which had been in use for centuries before that – and is mentioned several times in Shakespeare’s loosely historical play about ancient Britain, Cymbeline.

Milford Haven began life as a planned port town and its natural harbour, one of the deepest and most sheltered in the world, quickly gained wide recognition. While the town was initially geared toward whaling, it soon attracted naval interest.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the harbour became a strategic asset for the Royal Navy and, later, a base for transatlantic trade. These beginnings laid the groundwork for Milford’s strong maritime character.

Many of Milford’s residents have family ties to the industries that followed – from fishing and shipbuilding to the oil boom of the 20th century.

For decades, Milford Haven was a key player in the UK’s energy network. Although parts of this industrial past have changed or been scaled back, the port remains one of the most important energy hubs in the country. Now, with a global shift towards green energy, Milford is poised once again to lead – this time in sustainability and innovation.

But there’s more to Milford Haven than industry. The town has been quietly reinventing itself, especially around the Milford Waterfront. Once a working dock, it’s now a space where locals stroll, shop, eat and meet – blending heritage with new energy. It’s become a place where the past meets the present, with new businesses bringing life and colour to the marina.

The Torch Theatre, Milford Haven

Cultural life is thriving too. The Torch Theatre, which many of us know and love, is a beacon for the arts in Pembrokeshire. Whether it’s catching a film, enjoying a live performance or seeing a friend’s production on stage, it’s a space that connects us.

The Milford Haven Museum, tucked away in the old Custom House, reminds us of where we’ve come from, telling stories many of us have grown up with – and some we’re still discovering.

After going through so many changes and weathering tough times, the town is now, with renewed investment, local enterprise and a growing emphasis on community and sustainability, entering a whole new chapter.