About

The River Cleddau has been used for centuries as the main trading route to Haverfordwest.  The bluestones which form Stonehenge were thought to be transported from the Preseli Mountains along the Cleddau to their destination at Salisbury Plain. 

Villages were built because of the waterway, Freystrop has Norse origins ‘Freyr’ could have been the name of a Norse God and the ‘trop’ means village. At Llanstadwell there is evidence of two ancient British encampments. Churches were established along the river many of the places begin with ‘Llan’ which is the Welsh word for church, as in Llanstadwell and Llangwm.

Until the last century the only way from the village of Hook to the town was by water.  Coal was transported from Hook Quay, the last coal mine closed in 1948. Llangwm fisherwomen travelled far and wide to sell their catches. Lime kilns are found in many places along the banks, lime was transported for agricultural uses.

There are ferry crossing places at Llangwm, Rhoose and Burton. John Wesley travelled across the Cleddau from Burton after  preaching at Houghton. On August 22nd 1772, while waiting for the waterman he sat on a ‘convenient stone’ which is still there near the wall of the Jolly Sailor. 

Many religions have flourished along the banks of the Cleddau.  There are links with the Mormons as Brigham Young is reputed to have stayed at Little Milford.