Hakin
| Hakin | |
| Pembrokeshire | |
|---|---|
 Hakin Point from Milford Docks | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SM899061 |
| Location: | 51°42’44"N, 5°2’50"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 2,313 |
| Post town: | Milford Haven |
| Postcode: | SA73 |
| Dialling code: | 01646 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Pembrokeshire |
Hakin is a small coastal town in Pembrokeshire. It belongs to the parish of Hubberston in the Roose Hundred and stands directly to the west of the larger town of Milford Haven, of which it is sometimes considered a district. Hakin had a population of 2,313 as of 2001 Census. It is mainly a residential town, in utter contrast to its busy, industrial neighbour.
Name
The name Hakin is derived from the Old English Hecke, meaning "corner in the bend of the stream". The word was used as a geographical term to describe the location of an area, as late as 1794. The term Haking to describe the current boundary was first recorded in 1861, in the British Postal Guide, provided as a sub-office under Milford. Before this, the area had been referred to as Hubberston, or Hubberston-Haking.
History
Hakin has been a settlement since at least the 13th century. It has variously be known as Haking, and later as Old Milford', to distinguish it from the newer settlement across the tidal estuary.[1]
A ferry service to Ireland operated from Hakin towards the end of the 18th century, although this ceased in the early 19th century.[2] At a site on high ground in Hakin, Charles Francis Greville planned to build "The College of King George the Third founded at Milford", whose centrepiece would be an observatory. Although the observatory was built, and indeed scientific instruments were delivered, the college never functioned as such.[2] By 1849, the district of Hakin was described as a considerable centre of boat building, with approximately 200 "shipwrights residing at that place".[1] However until the contsruction of a bridge linking the populations of Hakin and Milford, access to the district was via a plank across Hubberston Pill, and Hakin was considered something of a poor relation to the main town. Point Street, formerly Store Sreet, was the busy hub of the community, characterized by numerous public houses, stores to service the maritime trade, and prostitution. The completion of the Milford Docks in 1888 radically altered the Hakin landscape.
Whereas Hubberston grew up around St David's church and Hubberston Green, Hakin evolved around Hakin Point and Point Street. With the construction of council housing in the interwar period, the division between the two districts became less clear. An initial building phase included prefabs in Nelson Avenue, Harbour Way and Observatory Avenue, although these were later replaced with more substantial properties.
Transport
Hakin is separated from Milford Haven by Hubberston Pill, a once tidal estuary. Access is by way of Victoria Bridge, which is reached on the A4076 through Milford Haven. A town circular bus service operates, providing access to Milford Haven.
The town in served by Milford Haven railway station. Hakin Dock railway station, operated from a location on the docks.[3]
Churches
Churches in Hakin include:
- Church in Wales:
- St David's Hubberston
- St Mary's, Hakin
- Church of the Holy Spirit, Hakin
- Methodist:
- Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Hakin
- Rehoboth Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Hakin
- United Reformed Church
- Hakin Point
Sport and Leisure
- Rugby: Milford Haven Rugby Football Club
- Football: Milford Haven AFC
Nautical activities centre around the marina and Pembrokeshire Yacht Club, which is located in Gellyswick. There is a golf club on the outskirts of the town, which was founded in 1913[4]
The Town has Two Public Houses:
- The Avondale Hotel, on Hill Street
- The Three Crowns, on Hubberston Terrace
-
Hubberston Church -
Hakin Observatory
Outside links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 A Topographical Dictionary of Wales - Lewis, Samuel (1849) pp. 430-440
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Wing Commander Ken McKay A Vision Of Greatness: The History of Milford 1790-1990, Brace Harvatt Associates, 1989. ISBN 978-0-9515212-0-5
- ↑ Parker, Richard, The Railways of Pembrokeshire, Noodle Books, 2008. ISBN 978-1-906419-07-3
- ↑ Club History - Milford Haven Golf Club