The Fishguard Invasion by the French in 1797

In the bitter winter of 1797 a French squadron slipped into the sheltered waters off the Pembrokeshire coast, its two frigates bearing the promise of an invasion. Within hours the landing parties stormed the remote headland at Carrig Gwasted, raising the enemy flag on a modest farmhouse and sending shockwaves through the quiet Welsh countryside. The narrative draws from the diary of Reverend Daniel Rowlands, who recorded frantic calls for help, the clatter of boots on the sand, and the bewildered faces of villagers confronting a foreign force for the first time.

What follows is a vivid portrait of ordinary men and women rallying almost instinctively—farmers, fishermen, and a band of local militia—against the surprised French troops. The author weaves together contemporary newspaper reports, eyewitness testimonies, and striking illustrations of the landing, the makeshift defenses, and the spirited resistance of Welsh wives and children. As day turns to night, the tension mounts, leaving listeners to wonder whether this small community can hold its ground against the well‑armed invaders.