Often overshadowed by the Norman invasion of 1066 as the last substantial invasion of Britain, the real last invasion of Britain actually took place in February 1797 in North Pembrokeshire. It was one of those stories where everything that could go wrong, did- starting from when they were put off their original target of Bristol by a storm and ended up on the Pen Caer Peninsula in North Perbrokeshire.
The Last Invasion of Britain took place in the late 18th Century during a period of French Revolution. Captain William Tate led an army of soldiers from France in a final endeavour to invade and despite arriving with four ships and 1400 men, the French forces were not successful in their attempt – something which many credit (at least partly) to Jemima.
Legends say that Jemima, pitchfork in hand, led a group of women out into the countryside to confront the invading army. She succeeded in her mission and managed to capture a dozen Frenchmen, before marching them back to the town where she held them captive overnight in St Mary’s Church.
Not even 3 days later, the French army surrendered. Captain Tate met with Lord Cawdor (who had rallied together a local army) at the Royal Oak and signed a peace treaty.
But the rumours question just quite how intimidating Jemima and her women were. Some say the French soldiers had ransacked local farms and houses, a customary practice after sailing across the seas, and that this had left them intoxicated from the stocks of rich food and drink found. In their drunken stupor, they perhaps then mistook the approaching women in their traditional Welsh dress of red shawls and tall black hats for British Redcoat soldiers.
Some also say that the townspeople made an effort to use up all the food and drink before the invading army had a chance, therefore suggesting that Jemima and her army were a little tipsy themselves and were experiencing a bout of alcohol-fuelled dutch courage.
FOR THIS CACHE:
- Take a photo of yourself, your GPS device or your geocaching name with the new purple plaque outside the Town Hall. This was unveiled to increase recognition of the lives of women who have had a significant and long-lasting impact associated with Wales.
- Email me the answer to the following question: where is the uppermost fingerpost sign nearby is sending you. Do not include the answer in your log or in any photos. This is the black post, not any road traffic furniture.
Other places of interest nearby on the square:
- St. Mary's Church, where Jemima is buried.
- The historic pub where the Last Invasion Treaty was signed.
- The Last Invasion Tapestry, on display in the Town Hall (upstairs - lift available). Made by local women, it tells the entire tale in Welsh and English. It is 30 metres long, took four years to complete and based on the Bayern Tapestry.
NOTE: DISABLED PARKING IS AVAILABE NEXT TO THE CACHE LOCATION
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.