The Fishguard Invasion by the French in 1797

“The Fishguard Invasion by the French in 1797” by Margaret Ellen James is a late 19th-century historical narrative chronicling the unexpected landing of French forces on Welsh shores and the events that followed. Daniel Rowlands, the Vicar of Llanfiangelpenybont, serves as the story's focal point, experiencing and narrating the reactions of the local population to the sudden invasion. The book begins by painting a peaceful picture of Fishguard rapidly disrupted by the arrival of French ships, sending ripples of excitement and concern through the town as residents like Rowlands grapple with the immediacy of the unfolding crisis and brace themselves for the uncertain conflict that lies ahead involving both their neighbors and a foreign enemy.