History of Neyland and Llanstadwell

The neighbouring communities of Neyland and Llanstadwell, on the northern bank of the mighty Milford Haven waterway, have a fascinating history full of diversity. The Bronze Age settlement at Newton, the ancient parish church dedicated to St Tudwal and the rural houses of the gentry sharply contrast with the industry of the new town of Neyland, which was built after the opening of the South Wales Railway in 1856.

The busy railway terminus and Irish packet service brought a rising population, with more shops, churches and schools, as Neyland enjoyed a golden age lasting fifty years. The town lost the mantle of a railway town in 1964, but in recent years has seen a major transformation and now boasts a flourishing marina and quayside, along with Wales's only statue to Isambard Kingdom Brunel, by renowned Welsh sculptor Robert Thomas (1926 - 99).