A NEW photography book reveals how one of the most notorious pirates in history came from the county whilst celebrating the fascinating history of the Pembrokeshire coastline and the many visitors that have landed upon its shores.
Made by a former pupil of Ysgol Dewi Sant in St. Davids, Ieuan Morris says he was amazed at the influence people who landed in Pembrokeshire had on events across the world.
"I found it quite fascinating," said Ieuan, "the extent to which many people who were born in Pembrokeshire have left their legacy on world history, while at the same time many others have travelled from all over the globe, have been equally attracted to the county and have also left their mark.
"One of my favourite stories, found in the first chapter of the book, is that of John Roberts (1682–1722), more commonly known as Bartholomew Roberts or ‘Barti Ddu’ after his death.
"He was ranked by many during the Golden Age of Piracy as the ‘most lethal of pirates’, reputedly capturing over 400 ships and £80 million of treasure.
"His birthplace of Little Newcastle, a small village situated between Letterston and Puncheston, near the Preseli foothills in North Pembrokeshire, is thousands of miles from the Caribbean, where Roberts gained his notoriety on the high seas."
Published by Ceredigion book seller Y Lolfa, Ieuan explains how there were both challenges, not least the pandemic, but in the end the reward far outweighed the issues posed.
"The most fundamental challenge," said Ieuan, "is that we have witnessed a real sea-change in attitude towards history, especially where this is in some way connected to slavery, ethnicity, the rights of minority groups and fundamental human freedoms.
"It also goes without saying, that the advent of a global pandemic has had a universal and profound effect upon business and tourism, and their future remains very much unclear.
"I think the most enjoyable aspect of creating this book has been the opportunity to combine my two greatest interests, namely photography and history, and if the reader is captivated by the images taken and wishes to further research any of the historical detail, then so much the better.
Ieuan is scheduled to do a book signing at Victoria Bookshop, Haverfordwest, on Saturday, November 6.
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