Nolton and Roch
| Nolton and Roch | |
| Pembrokeshire | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SM8663118224 |
| Location: | 51°49’16"N, 5°5’46"W |
| Data | |
| Population: | 746 (2001) |
| Post town: | Haverfordwest |
| Postcode: | SA62 |
| Dialling code: | 01437 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Pembrokeshire |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Preseli Pembrokeshire |
Nolton and Roch is a civil community comprising the ancient parishes of Nolton and Roch in the Hundred of Roose, Pembrokeshire. The western part lies in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Its population (2001) was 746.
Geography
The five-mile coastline of the parish consists of picturesque cliffs and dunes, and is followed by the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. At the north end is the two-mile-long Newgale beach, which is popular for bathing and surfing. The whole coast is underlain with coal measures and was a centre of industry from mediæval times until 1905. Nolton Haven, on the border between the two ancient parishes, was a port from which the local anthracite was shipped. The area is now a popular destination for holidaymakers and second-home owners.
The parish is part of Little England beyond Wales. The Pembrokeshire linguistic boundary runs along the northern edge of the parish, and is particularly prominent here where it follows the Brandybrook valley: the community has been predominantly English-speaking for 900 years, but the adjoining parishes of Brawdy and Hayscastle to the north are more Welsh-speaking.
Deep in the Brandybrook valley, Roch Mill is the last remaining of five water mills along little more than two miles of river. Adjacent to Roch Bridge it has been restored by its owners and now includes a working water wheel that operates continuously. The property includes a holiday cottage. Starting at Roch Bridge a charming footpath follows the Brandybrook valley east through ancient Eweston Wood, past New Mill and Tucking Mill, both now derelict with the buildings gradually submerging into the undergrowth. The water course (leat) that brought water to the two mills can clearly be seen and, interestingly, joins the two in series; having been used by Tucking Mill the water then flowed on to New Mill before returning to the Brandybrook river. A little further along the path divides with the right path following a quirky and challenging way across the river and back to Roch Bridge via Woodock Farm. The left branch continues onto a minor lane and the ford at Stoopers Mill (removed). This Brandybrook valley walk is one of the finest non-coastal walks in the area. Sheltered, secluded, and stunningly beautiful it is known mainly to locals and is rarely discovered by passing visitors.
Nolton
Nolton is a village and ancient parish on the coast of St Brides Bay, 5½ miles west of Haverfordwest. The name was originally old-tun and the dedication of the church to St Madoc suggests that the place was a pre-existing Welsh settlement appropriated by English immigrants around the time of the Norman conquest.[1]
Census population of Nolton parish 186 (1801): 245 (1851): 160 (1901): 108 (1951): 176 (1981)
Roch
Roch is a village and ancient parish two miles north-east of Nolton and 5½ miles north-west of Haverfordwest. The name is a rare example of a purely Norman French name: it was la Roche in 1271, and means "the rock".[2] The village stands on a prominent ridge of Precambrian rhyolite. Roch Castle stands on top of the most prominent outcrop of this, and is visible for miles around. The church of St Mary is 100 yards south-east of the castle.
Census population of Roch parish 538 (1801): 763 (1851): 471 (1901): 377 (1951): 684 (1981)
Outside links
References
- ↑ Charles, B. G. (1992). The Placenames of Pembrokeshire. National Library of Wales. p. 619. ISBN 0-907158-58-7.
- ↑ Charles, B. G. (1992). The Placenames of Pembrokeshire. National Library of Wales. p. 622. ISBN 0-907158-58-7.