Description
Original oil painting of Peregrine Falcon by RAG Davies
A short account of Henry II passion for Pembrokeshire Falcons from his chaplain Gerald of Wales, written 1191, translated from the Latin:
“I ought not to omit mentioning the flacocns of these parts, which are large, and of a generous kind, and exercise a most severe tyranny over the river and land birds. King Henry II remained here some time, making preparations for his voyage to Ireland; and being desirous of taking the diversion of hawking, he accidentally saw a noble falcon perched upon a rock. Going sideways around him, he let loose a fine Norway hawk, which he carried on his left hand. The falcon, though at first slower in its flight, soaring up to a great height, burning with resentment, and in his turn becoming the aggressor, rushed down upon his adversary with the greatest impetuosity, and by violent blow struck the hawk dead at the feet of the king. From that time the King sent every year, about the breeding season, for the falcons of this country, which are produced on the sea cliffs; nor can better be found in any part of his dominions. But let us now return to our Itinerary.”
