Milford

Milford, a parliamentary borough (contributory to Pembroke) and seaport of South Wales, in the county of Pembroke, is pleasantly situated on the north side of Milford Haven, about 7 miles ENE. of St Ann's Head, and (by rail) 271 miles W. of London. The town itself, which, with 500 acres of adjoining land, has been acquired by a company as lessees for 999 years, presents no features of interest; the Haven, which as a natural harbour is unequalled both in area, complete shelter, and facility of entrance, being by far the greater attraction. Stretching inland some 10 miles, it varies in breadth from 1 to nearly 2 miles, and has a depth in most places of from 15 to 19 fathoms—even at low-water spring-tides there being a minimum depth of 8 fathoms—whilst commanding all its lower reaches are several batteries, all armed with heavy guns, thus securing Pembroke as well as Milford from any seaward attacks. In 1485 the Earl of Richmond (afterwards Henry VII.) disembarked here from Brittany shortly before the battle of Bosworth. Docks designed by Sir E. J. Reed, and capable of accommodating vessels of the largest size, were completed in 1882, but not opened to shipping until 21st September 1888: their total area is 60 acres, and the depth of water inside 28 feet. Despite their construction, however, the trade of the port has as yet, apart from the increasing passenger and cattle traffic with the Irish ports of Cork and Waterford, made but little progress; but a proposal to run a fast line of steamers between Milford and Labrador has met with considerable success. Pop. 3334.