The Tregwynt Treasure is a collection of coins and a gold ring dating from the mid-17th century, which was discovered at Tregwynt Mansion near Fishguard in Pembrokeshire, Wales, in 1996. This valuable hoard is now housed in the National Museum of Wales. The treasure consists of 33 gold coins, 467 silver coins, and a gold ring. Notably, it was the first English Civil War treasure to be found in Pembrokeshire.
Tregwynt Mansion played a historic role as it was the location where the French invasion of Britain was first reported by Colonel Thomas Knox on February 23, 1797. Colonel Thomas Knox, who was assigned to his father William Knox, reported the invasion and subsequently retreated to Haverfordwest. The retreat of the Fishguard fencibles (local volunteers) was initially halted by Lord Cawdor, who convinced Knox to advance. The fencibles, who encountered up to 1,200 French prisoners, played a significant role in the events that became known as the "last invasion of British soil." According to local stories, guests at the mansion during a dance event hid their valuables, and the discovery of the treasure was believed to confirm this tale.
The dating of the treasure is based on the latest coin included in the hoard, which dates back to either 1647 or 1648. This period coincides with the end of the English Civil War, making it likely that the hoard was hidden at this time. Since the Civil War, there have been over 200 similar hoards discovered, but this was the first one found in Pembrokeshire.
These items were concealed in the outhouse of Tregwynt Mansion and were uncovered in 1996 due to construction work associated with the installation of a tennis court. As several coins were initially discovered, a metal detector was used to search the area further, leading to the discovery of many more coins. Eventually, a JCB excavator was brought in, and in addition to the coins, lead sheeting believed to have covered the treasure and a ring with an inscription inside were found. The inscription on the ring reads, "Better death than a lie of faith."
It is presumed that the treasure was hidden around the time when Oliver Cromwell arrived in Pembrokeshire to suppress the local royalist rebellion. At the time, the value of the hoard would have exceeded £50, which was equivalent to four years' wages for an average soldier. The money may have been saved by Llewellyn Harris, who was residing in the mansion with his twelve children during that period.
