Heritage and Environment
We are at the present time seeking funding for a sculpture depicting Princess Nest
Many people wanted to see the history of Pembroke brought to the attention of visitors and residents alike, so as to instil civic pride and the group has made progress towards the provision of 3 statues to our most famous inhabitants – Princess Nest, King Henry VII and John Poyer (to put them in chronological order). We selected sites which we felt were the most appropriate for each sculpture and these seem to have met with approval. These statues will be linked to the Town Trail which it is proposed will incorporate a series of friezes depicting the Story of Pembroke.
A STATUE OF PRINCESS NEST
How to portray a princess who lived 900 years ago and who was arguably the most important Welsh woman ever to have lived is a quandary that is nearing its conclusion.
Nationally renowned sculptor David Petersen has been working with Pembroke’s schools and the local community to both inform them about Princess Nest and elicit ideas for a long awaited public art work.
David has been commissioned by Pembroke 21C Community Association to portray Nest, Princess of Deheubarth, who was married to Gerald of Windsor the Constable of Pembroke Castle around 1100. Legends about her abound, but what is certain is that the history of Wales would not have been the same without her.
With funding from the Arts Council of Wales, matched by the Local Authority’s Support for the Arts Programme, David carried out workshops in local schools and with the general public. This work and macquettes of David’s ideas were exhibited in the Court Room in Pembroke Town Hall from 4th to 8th June.
“The response from the children in the schools has been overwhelming,” said David Petersen. “and the genuine interest and enthusiasm shown by the teachers and the adults attending the public workshops demonstrates the excitement there is locally about this project. Local people now feel that Nest was their princess.”
"Why I am so passionate about Nest"
by Dave Petersen - click on the image below to listen.
The only known depiction of Princess Nest - in bed (complete with crown) with King Henry I |
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ABOUT OUR GROUP
Since the inception of Pembroke 21C in 2000, the Group has dealt with the priority topics raised by the community in the “Future Search” exercise conducted by PLANED.
The first of these were the provistion of
- A noticeboard outside the Town Hall, provided with the support of the Pembroke Rotary Club, Texaco Ltd. And a Community Pride Grant from Planed. The Pembroke Town Council has generously operated the board and provided the electricity to illuminate.
- A bus shelter/seat at Somerfield.
The Group also helped establish the Millpond Group, the History Society, the Town Walls Society and the Museum Group.
Ongoing projects involve working with other bodies to achieve a better environment and image for Pembroke:
- “Welcome” signs on main roads into town; re-painting of railway bridges; improved planting; better colour schemes for buildings in the town; suitable re development opf South Quay; new cycleways; better street furniture etc.
Join us if you want to help achieve these and other improvements