Mr. Wyndham has so minutely delineated the Present State of this Castle,
that I cannot do better than transcribe his account.
“The approach (says this Author) to Pembroke from the River, shews
the Town and Castle to the most beautiful advantage. The Town is
situated upon the ridge of a long and narrow rock, gradually
ascending to the highest point, on which stands the Castle, at the
brink of the precipice. If I may compare small things with great, it
much resembles the situation of Edinburgh.
“The Castle is of Norman architecture, mixed with early Gothic. The
principal tower, which is uncommonly high and perfect, has even its
stone vaulted roof remaining. The walls of this tower are fourteen
feet in thickness, the diameter of the space within is twenty-five,
and the heighth, from the ground to the crown of the dome, is
seventy-five feet; but visible marks appear within, that its heighth
was originally divided by four floors.
“Henry VII. was born in the present Castle. The natural Cavern,
called the Wogan, lies immediately under the Chapel, and opens with a
wide mouth towards the river. A communication from the Cavern to the
Castle, was made by a stair-case, on the outside of the rock; the
entrance was barricaded with a strong wall, partly remaining, through
which there is now a large door-way opened to the shore of the river.
The Cavern appears nearly circular; its diameter is fifty-three feet;
and its height is proportionable to the diameter.
“In the Civil War this Castle was a garrison for the Crown, and being
besieged, made a gallant defence.”
At Pembroke we hired a boat, {41} intending to sail round the extensive
Haven of Milford; and, as we retired from the shore, we took a retrospect
of the dilapidated walls of the Castle, once the terror, and even in
ruins the pride of the scene. It is most advisable to make this
excursion at high water, as it adds much to the picturesque scenery of
the _tout ensemble_.