Location of the cantref of Penfro within ancient Dyfed
The Cantref of Penfro was one of the seven cantrefi of the Kingdom of Dyfed. It subsequently became part of Deheubarth in around 950. It consisted of the long peninsular part of Dyfed south of the Eastern Cleddau and the Daugleddau estuary, and bordered on its landward side by Cantref Gwarthaf.[1] The name, meaning "land's end", derives from Pen ("end", literally "head") and "fro" ("populated area").[2] Its area was approximately 140 square miles (360 km2).
It was divided into two commotes: Cwmwd Penfro in the southwest and Cwmwd Coedrath in the northeast, as shown in the map. The eastern part of Cwmwd Penfro was sometimes called Cwmwd Maenorbier, and the northern part of Cwmwd Coedrath was sometimes called Cwmwd Arberth, but both these were post-Norman lordships, and were probably not genuine commotes.[3] Its civil headquarters were at Pembroke: RhoscrowtherorPenally might have been its ecclesiastical centre.[4]
The cantref was made part of the NormanMarch in the 12th century, and many castles were built, including those of Carew, Manorbier, Narberth, Pembroke,[5] and Tenby. The area became English-speaking, as it continues today, except in the northern part of Narberth parish.
