My Personal History of Pembrokeshire (part 8)

This week, Bosherston Lily Ponds. Believe it or not these are artificial and were created between 1780 and 1860 by The Earls of Cawdor out of three limestone valleys that used to have surface water that drained naturally into the sea. The Earls of Cawdor hired a canal engineer by the name of James Cockshutt who managed to overcome the problems of the water draining through the limestone. They only did this to show off their mansion. You may ask what a Scottish Earl was doing in Pembrokeshire and one version I have heard of was that he won the lands in a card game. How true this is, I have no idea, however there are a multitude of "Cawdor" links around Pembrokeshire with various public houses etc named after them. Of course, nowadays, there would be an almighty protest about someone damming up valleys for their own use and gratification. What is evident now is that Bosherston Lily Ponds is an area of outstanding beauty and teems with wildlife such as otters, dragonflies, fish (fishing is permitted with licence) water birds and bats etc. This area is now administered by The National Trust and when the lilies are out, is an outstanding sight. There are walks around the ponds with access to Broad Haven beach and other coastal paths. One nice legend about the original water filled valleys is that this was where the Lady of the Lake gave Arthur his magical sword Excalibur. Sir Gawain one of the knights of the round table is also rumoured to have resided in the hermitage at St Govans Head, only a mile away from the Lily Ponds. As many parts of Britain claim to be associated with King Arthur, this claim may be slightly fanciful, but who am I to decry these rumours. Whatever you think, Bosherston Lily Ponds are magnificent and should you wish to visit this beautiful part of Pembrokeshire and find out more about the possible links to King Arthur, FBM Holidays (www.fbmholidays.co.uk) have the ideal self catering accommodation for you to explore this truly wonderful part of Wales. DS.