Programme 3 - Heroes and Villains

In addition to providing sustenance and supporting a way of life, the sea has also proved dangerous, or even fatal to countless Welsh people over the centuries. supporting a way of life.

Cwm-yr-Eglwys
Clear evidence of the sea's power can be seen from the ruins of this church in Pembrokeshire, destroyed by the waves in 1859 ...

Royal Charter
... and on the same day Wales suffered one of her worst maritime disasters

Magor Boat
Back in 1994 archaeologists came across the remains of a 13th Century ship in the mud near Magor ...

Newport Ship
...and a fascinating medieval merchant ship came to light in Newport in 2002

Pirates and Buccaneers
A large number of pirates and buccaneers came from Wales and there are many romantic tales describing the exploits of individuals such as Henry Morgan and Bartholomew Roberts. But what is the truth behind these stories?

John Callis
One interesting pirate who came from Gwent was John Callis, who was active during the reign of Elizabeth I

Crugyll Wreckers
Another group of maritime wrong-doers who caused havoc along the Welsh coastline were the wreckers. The most notorious came from Crugyll on Anglesey