National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales preserves and celebrates the sound and moving image heritage of Wales, making it accessible to a wide range of users for enjoyment and learning. Its film collection reflects every aspect of the nation’s social, cultural and working life across the 20th century, giving a fascinating insight into Welsh filmmaking, both amateur and professional.
This film is part of Free
Milford Haven
Quaker whalers from Nantucket found a town in Wales at the invitation of Sir William Hamilton (husband of Nelson’s Lady Emma), who provides the land.
From the collection of:
Overview
Produced and directed by Pontardawe-born Archie Pipe, this is the extraordinary story of how Milford Haven - "little America" - was founded by Quaker whalers from Nantucket. The commentary, spoken by American actor Lionel Murton, details with pride the origins of the settlement whose enterprising pioneers have made it the most progressive town in the west, with its flourishing and up-to-date deep sea fishing industry and its attractive amenities.
Sir W Hamilton offered land to the American whalers, a Samuel Starbuck came over to view what was on offer and satisfied with what he saw, returned a few years later with enough people to start a settlement, each settler receiving a grant of £50 from the British government. Nelson donated his Bible, prayer book and battle relics to the town’s newly built church. The whaling never took off but the town was used for a period as a Royal Navy dockyard and had a thriving fishing industry but now depends on its oil refineries and gas terminal. Archie Pipe, founder of Octagon Films, was from Pontardawe and lived in Wales and America, working for J Arthur Rank and the American Bible Society, and the Grand Theatre, Swansea.
Related
Watch for free
Fishguard, Fairbourne and Milford Haven Fishguard, Fairbourne and Milford Haven
Home movie 1959 5 mins Silent Location: Fishguard/Abergwaun
Fishguard's carnival, Fairbourne's trains, Milford Haven's swimming pool: summer attractions filmed by Fishguard pharmacist J J Thomas.
Watch for free
Milford Haven Grammar School - lessons, dinners, play Milford Haven Grammar School - lessons, dinners, play
Amateur film 1958 2 mins Silent Location: Milford Haven/Aberdaugleddau
A day in the life of the Milford Haven Grammar School: food for the mind, nourishment for the body and enough play to keep Jack and Jill bright.
Watch for free
Modern Wales Modern Wales
Industry sponsored film 1958 14 mins Location: Treforest Industrial Estate
A stirring hymn to Wales' postwar industrial renewal
Watch for free
Milford Fishermen Milford Fishermen
Documentary 1977 36 mins Location: Milford Haven/Aberdaugleddau
A rich past, a recession-hit present for Milford Haven's fishing industry, as commented upon by the trawlermen of the 'Picton Sea Eagle' who are seen on land and at sea.
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.