Fishguard Town Hall and Last Invasion Gallery, The Square, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Great Britain, United Kingdom, UK, Europe
Image details
Contributor:
Ian Bottle / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
DDPPJMFile size:
43.1 MB (1.6 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
4752 x 3168 px | 40.2 x 26.8 cm | 15.8 x 10.6 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
20 August 2013Location:
The Square, Fishguard, Pen Caer, Pembrokeshire, Wales, Great Britain, United Kingdom, UK, EuropeMore information:
The last invasion of mainland Britain by a foreign military force occurred on 22nd February 1797 when 1, 400 French troops landed at Carreg Wasted Point. They had attempted to land in nearby Fishguard harbour but had been deterred by cannon fire from the recently constructed Fort. Their commander was William Tate, an American who had fought the British during the American Revolution. For two days the French soldiers raided local farms for supplies and looted Llanwnda church. However discipline was poor and many of the troops became drunk and disorganised. According to legend they were fooled into thinking they were outnumbered by approaching British 'redcoats' after seeing local woman dressed in red shawls on a distant hill. The French signed articles of surrender at the Royal Oak in Fishguard before eventually laying down their arms at Goodwick Sands on 24th February. A monument in St Mary's churchyard commemorates Jemima Nicholas, who is claimed to have captured 12 drunk French soldiers single-handedly armed only with a pitchfork.