in Welsh Hwlffordd, a market-town, seaport, and parliamentary and municipal borough of Wales, in Pembrokeshire, and the capital of that county. It stands on a declivity descending to the banks of the West Cleddau. Some of the streets are wide and handsome; but in the older parts of the town they are narrow, and generally very steep. Viewed from a little distance, the aspect of the town is very picturesque. The majority of the shops and houses have an air of wealth and comfort, arising from the fact that many persons of independent means have been attracted to the town by its character for cheapness. The principal public buildings are the Guildhall market-house; the three parish churches; the various dissenting chapels; a Free school; an almshouse; and a large union poorhouse. A literary and scientific institution was established in 1847; and one newspaper, the Pembrokeshire Herald, is published weekly.

Haverfordwest was at one time strongly fortified, but all traces of its walls and towers have long since disappeared. On a rock overhanging the river was a strong castle, built in the reign of Stephen by Gilbert de Clare, first Earl of Pembroke. In the insurrection of Owen Glyndwr, it was successfully defended against the French troops in the Welsh service. In the civil war of the 17th century it was held by the royalists. The only remaining vestige of the castle is the keep, which has been largely added to, and converted into the county gaol. In the neighbourhood of the town are the ruins of a priory, dating from the 12th century, and dedicated to St Mary and St Thomas.

On the N. side of the river is the suburb of Prendergast, where are the remains of a very ancient mansion, formerly occupied by a family of that name. The river itself is navigable at spring tides as far as the quay, where there is a custom-house, subordinate to that of Milford. The town exports in some quantity coal, oats, butter, and cattle. The only manufactury of importance is a large paper-mill. The market held on Tuesday and Saturday is one of the largest in Wales; the supply of fish in particular is very abundant. The assizes and quarter-sessions for Pembrokeshire are held in Haverfordwest, which, with the contributory boroughs of Fishguard and Harberth, returns one member to parliament. Registered electors (1851) 686; pop. 6580.