A short story about the Royal Oak... This was the pub where the French attacking force, La Legione Noire, signed over their surrender after the Battle of Fishguard in 1797. The Welsh women of the area were said to have played a major role in the battle. If I remember right, the women marched around the hill, past the cliffs, in a wide circle... and with their tall top hats and red dress, looked very much like part of the British army. To the French army below, it must have looked like a massive opposing force, a never ending march of British soldiers. One Welsh woman is remembered in particular, Jemima "Fawr" Niclas, for single handedly capturing twelve French soldiers, wielding only a pitchfork.
And where were the men? ...Probably having a pint in the Royal Oak!
Just kidding... apparently, the Pembroke Yeomanry was the first volunteer unit in Britain to be awarded a battle honour. The Battle honour 'Fishguard'.
