SOUTH PEMBROKESHIRE

district, Dyfed County, southwestern Wales. Created in 1974, it extends northward from the southern shore of the Pembrokeshire Peninsula to the Preseli Mountains. It borders the districts of Carmarthen to the east and Preseli Pembrokeshire to the west and north. The large numbers of tombs, cairns, standing stones, and hut circles that have been discovered in the area provide evidence of Iron Age settlement. During the Norman period Pembrokeshire Peninsula, known as little England, was sealed off from the rest of Wales by a series of Norman strongholds, including the castles of Pembroke, Manorbier, Llawhaden, and Narberth. Norse and Flemish influence has also been strong in the area. The town of Tenby is thought to have originally been a Norse settlement, but by the 9th century it was a Welsh stronghold. The Normans invaded Tenby in the late 11th and early 12th centuries, and during the English Civil Wars it was alternately garrisoned and besieged by both sides. Agriculture dominates the inland area, while tourism flourishes along the coast. Most commercial and industrial activity is centred in Pembroke Dock, the administrative seat of the district. The older locality of Pembroke is primarily a market town and tourist centre. Pembroke Dock operates a ferry to Cork and Rosslare, both in Ireland. Land transportation in the district is facilitated by the British Rail Link and an extension of the M4 Motorway. Area 168 square miles (436 square km). Pop. (1991 prelim.) 42,100.