Welsh woman ‘who took on French invaders’ with pitchfork wins recognition

Plaque being unveiled for Jemima Nicholas, who is said to have led a band of women to thwart French troops in 1797

The bravery of a Welsh woman who, legend has it, armed herself with a pitchfork to help thwart an attempted 18th-century invasion of Britain is being celebrated this weekend.

A plaque is being unveiled in honour of Jemima Nicholas in the seaside town of Fishguard, south-west Wales, close to where she faced down French troops in February 1797. There will be songs, poems and speeches to commemorate her courage.