Ieuan Morris’ new book ‘Photographing Pembrokeshire: A Paradise for Pirates’ has recently been published.

To mark its release, the author will be holding a book signing at Victoria Bookshop, Haverfordwest at 11.30 am on Saturday, November 6.

“My inspiration to write this book came from my strong attachment to Pembrokeshire, the county where I was born, where I lived and grew up,” explained Ieuan.

“Living both north and south of the Landsker and having a firm family ancestry here, before seeking a further education firstly, in London and then for almost 40 years in practice as a barrister in Cardiff I have always been particularly conscious of its fascinating history, its striking coastline and exciting hinterland.

“They are both rich in history and character. The county has a great deal to offer and faces many challenges.

“This is my first book and though I have had many of my photographs published in one form or another, this was my first opportunity to photograph and capture locations where past events of notoriety have taken place, accompanying the image with, what I hope, is an interesting descriptive text. My only experience of writing before was in the context of lecturing and practice in law,” he continued.

“I became a photographer on retirement, though my interest in photography stems from my schooling at Ysgol Dewi Sant, St. Davids and early enjoyment of all forms of art. Picking up a camera, lens and tripod and travelling to spectacular locations and meeting interesting characters, I think is far simpler and more enjoyable than carrying an easel and paints and facing a strong westerly wind.

“Taking photographs of some of the most spectacular and rugged coastal scenery in the United Kingdom, with the Coastal path running from St Dogmaels in the north to Amroth in the south, and its whole length almost entirely contained within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, I could not really ask for more.

“When the opportunity has lent itself, however, I have been particularly attracted to photographing some of the few remaining characters that have never left the area or like me, have returned to the county. An impromptu portrait can create a vivid image of their personality.

“My research is based on my knowledge, gained from a strong grounding in local history both at school and at home, together with a study of many of the books and works of scholarship written about the county dating from the twelfth century to the present day.

“What has particularly interested me and I have found quite fascinating is the extent to which many people who were born in Pembrokeshire have left their legacy on world history, whist at the same time many others have travelled from all over the globe, have been equally attracted to the county and have also left their mark.

One of my favourite stories, found in the first chapter of the book, is that of John Roberts (1682–1722), more commonly known as Bartholomew Roberts or ‘Barti Ddu’ after his death.

“He was ranked by many during the Golden Age of Piracy as the ‘most lethal of pirates’, reputedly capturing over 400 ships and £80 million of treasure. His birthplace of Little Newcastle, a small village situated between Letterston and Puncheston, near the Preseli foothills in North Pembrokeshire, is thousands of miles from the Caribbean, where Roberts gained his notoriety on the high seas. What a legacy!

“I think the most enjoyable aspect of creating this book has been the opportunity to combine my two greatest interests, namely photography and history, and if the reader is captivated by the images taken and wishes to further research any of the historical detail, then so much the better,” he added.

The book is available directly from publishers Y Lolfa, Amazon and many others online.