Bentlass is a small rural riverside settlement in the community of Hundleton and parish of Monkton[1] in south Pembrokeshire, Wales.

In the early 19th century, according to Lewis, the entire population of Monkton parish, other than those living in the village, was engaged in agriculture.

[4] Bentlass was mentioned in the London Gazette in 1845, under Admiralty Regulations concerning river traffic in the Milford Haven Waterway, ruling that: ...no gunpowder exceeding five pounds weight in the whole be landed between the town of Milford and Lawrenny-ferry, or below Bentlass in Pennar-pill, or any part of the south side of the haven...[5]From about 1859, John Jones had operated a ferry from Bentlass to Pennar on the north bank.

[6] In February 1889, the ferry capsized in bad weather, resulting in the drowning of all on board, including Jones, his assistant, and their seven women passengers.

[7] The tragedy was widely reported, and a number of eye-witnesses gave evidence to the coroner, with some variations in the details.