A History of Commercial Row

A booklet recording the history of businesses in Pembroke Dock's Commercial Row has been produced.

‘Trades and Traders of old Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock' is the result of research carried out by the history class over three terms at Pembroke Dock Community Learning Centre.

Led by tutor, Tina Webb, the class started off by learning how to research family history which later encompassed community history.

Explained Tina: "As the group meets in Pembroke Dock, it was agreed this would be the focus of their research. They decided to concentrate on the social history of the town and its inhabitants.

"For a small group to look at the entire town in the timeframe available seemed an impossible task so it was decided to concentrate on one street. Commercial Row was chosen because it is just around the corner from the Centre."

As its name suggests, Commercial Row was a thriving business thoroughfare in the 19th Century and well into the last, located alongside the Royal Naval Dockyard.

The Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor Anne Hughes, launched the booklet at the Centre in the town's of Albion Square School, last week.

Special guests at the launch were Mrs Valerie Bowling and Mrs Anne Dureau (nee David) whose families ran well known businesses in Commercial Row for many years and who helped with information for the booklet.

The booklet is on sale for £2 from the Pembroke Dock Community Learning Centre. If you are interested in researching family history, classes are available at the centre. Ring 01646 682668.