Dale, Pembrokeshire
| Dale | |
| Pembrokeshire | |
|---|---|
| |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SM809055 |
| Location: | 51°42’25"N, 5°10’16"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 205 (2001) |
| Post town: | Milford Haven |
| Postcode: | SA73 |
| Dialling code: | 01646 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Pembrokeshire |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Preseli Pembrokeshire |
Dale is a small village and parish in Pembrokeshire, located on the Dale Peninsula which forms the northern side of the entrance to Milford Haven estuary. The village has 205 inhabitants according to the 2001 census.
History
It was once a marcher borough, controlled by the Norman de Vale family from the 13th century Dale Castle. Owen, in 1603, described it as one of nine Pembrokeshire "boroughs in decay".[1] Located in the Hundred of Roose, it is part of Little England beyond Wales, and has been English-speaking since the 12th century. The name (Old Norse: Dalr = "valley") suggests prior occupation by Scandinavians.[2]
Henry Tudor's arrival
Henry Tudor landed at Mill Bay near Dale in 1485 before the Battle of Bosworth, after which he became King Henry VII. Villagers mark the anniversary, the most spectacular commemoration having been in 1985 for the 500th anniversary of the landing.
Sea Empress disaster
On 15 February 1996, the oil tanker Sea Empress grounded at the Milford Haven entrance spilling 71,000 tons of crude oil.
Present
Dale Fort is a Victorian-era fort located on a rocky promontory that now houses a field studies centre, for study of local marine biology, biology, geology, geomorphology, and other related fields.
Dale is a local centre for sailing and windsurfing is taught in the Dale Bay, along with sailing and boat handling courses. Dale is also often the location of sailing galas. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes through the village and around the Dale peninsula.
The Dale Coronation Hall is used for many events in the community and is home to the D.A.D.S. (Dale Amateur Dramatic Society). The society performs a play, pantomime or sketch every year in March. The group is made up of villagers, friends and families from all around the peninsula who come together to sing, dance and perform.