Jemima Nicholas facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jemima Nicholas
Gravestone of Jemima Nicholas outside St Mary's Church, Fishguard
Born	ca. 1750 Britain
Died	ca. July 1832 Fishguard, UK
Occupation	Cobbler and homemaker

Jemima Nicholas (sometimes called Jemima Fawr) was a brave Welsh woman. She is famous for her role in the Battle of Fishguard in 1797. This battle is known as the last time Britain was invaded.

Who Was Jemima Nicholas?

Jemima Nicholas was born around 1750. Her parents were William and Elinor Nicholas. She grew up in a place called Llanrhian in Wales. Jemima worked as a cobbler, which means she made or fixed shoes. She might have also been a cobbler's wife.

The Battle of Fishguard

French Landing in Wales

In 1797, about 1,400 French soldiers sailed to Wales. They landed at a place called Llanwnda. Many of these soldiers were not well-trained. They were also not very disciplined.

Jemima's Brave Actions

Jemima Nicholas showed great courage during this time. She grabbed a pitchfork to defend her home. She then led a group of local women. These women helped her round up twelve French soldiers. These soldiers had been drinking and were not paying attention. Jemima and the women held them captive. They locked the soldiers inside a church for the night.

The French Surrender

The French soldiers surrendered soon after this event. They gave up at a place called the Royal Oak. Jemima Nicholas was given a special reward for her bravery. She received a pension for the rest of her life. This meant she got money regularly for her efforts.

Jemima's Legacy

Jemima Nicholas lived to be about 82 years old. She passed away in July 1832.

Remembering Her Bravery

Her grave in Fishguard was marked with a special plaque in 1897. This was 100 years after the invasion. She is also featured in the Last Invasion Tapestry. This huge tapestry is 100 feet long! It shows the story of the invasion. You can see it in its own gallery at Fishguard Town Hall.

A Hat and Re-enactors

In 2019, a hat believed to belong to Jemima Nicholas was sold. It was bought by a distant relative for £5,000. The town of Fishguard also has people who re-enact Jemima Nicholas. They dress up and tell her story. Yvonne Fox was the official re-enactor until 2010. Later, Jacqui Scarr took on the role in 2013.

Books and Recognition

A children's book about Jemima Nicholas was published in 2012. It is called Jemima Nicholas: Heroine of the Fishguard Invasion. This book is part of a series about important Welsh women. Jemima Nicholas is also on a list of over 100 Welsh women. These women have made big contributions to Welsh life.