Dale, Pembrokeshire


Dale is both a small village and a community in Pembrokeshire, Wales, located on the peninsula which forms the northern side of the entrance to the Milford Haven Waterway. The village has 205 inhabitants according to the 2001 census, increasing to 225 at the 2011 Census.

History

It was once a marcher borough, controlled by the Norman de Vale family from the 13th century Dale Castle. Owen, in 1603, described it as one of nine Pembrokeshire "boroughs in decay". Located in the hundred of Roose, it is part of Little England beyond Wales, and has been English-speaking since the 12th century. The name suggests prior occupation by Scandinavians. The nearby RAF Dale airfield was active from 1941 to 1948. Following cessation of activities in World War II, RAF Dale was decommissioned, and the site became occupied by the Fleet Air Arm as RNAS Dale, a satellite of HMS Goldcrest at RNAS Brawdy.

Henry Tudor

In 1485, Henry Tudor landed at Mill Bay near Dale before the Battle of Bosworth, after which he became King Henry VII. Villagers mark the anniversary; the most spectacular commemoration was for the 500th anniversary in 1985.

Sea Empress disaster

On 15 February 1996, the oil tanker Sea Empress grounded at the Milford Haven entrance, spilling 72,000 tonnes of crude oil.

Present

is a Victorian era fort located on a rocky promontory that now houses a field studies centre, for study of local marine biology, biology, geology, geomorphology, and other related fields.
Dale is a local centre for sailing, and windsurfing is taught in the Dale bay, along with sailing and boat handling courses. Dale is also often the location of sailing galas. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path passes through the village and around the Dale peninsula.
The Dale Coronation Hall is used for many events in the community and is home to the D.A.D.S.. The society performs a play or a pantomime in March.
The 2011 census showed 5.9% of the population could speak Welsh, a fall from 11.0% in 2001. The community includes Skokholm Island.