Carreg Wasted - Wales

The last invasion of mainland Britain was surprisingly recent but is largely unknown. Between Fishguard and Strumble Head on the coast of Pembrokeshire is the relatively small headland of Carreg Wasted. On the 22nd February 1797 a group of French soldiers landed from 4 French vessels. They had set sail from Brest several days earlier and were under the command of an American, William Tate, who spoke very little French. Many of the French soldiers were ex-convicts which could not have helped with discipline.

They set up their headquarters at Trehowel Farm and they occupied much of the Pen Caer peninsula. They spent their time looting farms, slaughtering livestock and getting drunk. They eventually surrendered to the British forces at Goodwick Sands near Fishguard.

As an interesting aside, the invasion caused widespread panic on the financial markets which led to the withdrawal of large numbers of gold coins. This put strain on the gold reserves of the Bank of England with the result that they issued the first paper currency.

The stretch of coast between Fishguard and Strumble Head is a great place to paddle but how much more satisfying is it if a few historical facts help to set the scene.