Bentlass

In the early 19th century, according to Lewis, the entire population of Monkton parish, other than those living in the village, was engaged in agriculture. Bentlass, though, is not mentioned by name,^[3] nor is there any record of a place of worship at Bentlass.^[1] A Grade II listed 19th century warehouse is in the settlement.^[4] Bentlass was mentioned in the London Gazette in 1845, under Admiralty Regulations concerning river traffic in the Milford Haven Waterway, ruling that:

...no gunpowder exceeding five pounds weight in the whole be landed between the town of Milford and Lawrenny-ferry, or below Bentlass in Pennar-pill, or any part of the south side of the haven...^[5]

From about 1859, John Jones had operated a ferry from Bentlass to Pennar on the north bank. A ferry is marked on a pre-1850 parish map.^[6] In February 1889, the ferry capsized in bad weather, resulting in the drowning of all on board, including Jones, his assistant, and their seven women passengers.^[7] The tragedy was widely reported, and a number of eye-witnesses gave evidence to the coroner, with some variations in the details.^[8] The ferry service continued to operate until the 1930s.^[9][10]

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• Further historical information and sources on GENUKI