Church and west gallery date from 1857.

   
                          Photos 1 & 2 courtesy Chris Stafford

The striking 12th century white tower of St Mary's Church, bright in the spring morning sunlight, and beyond Manorbier Bay, flanked by jagged red sandstone cliffs which are typical of south Pembrokeshire.  The tower has recently had a considerable amount of restoration work carried out to it.

There are many interesting features within the church including an ancient font that shows signs of rechiselling after extensive damage. There are different shaped arches of varying sizes and it is thought that at least some if not all were cut through formerly solid walls. The history of the building is difficult to decipher today following restoration work in 1867 when the stone work was covered in plaster.  Worth a visit, but take your time as there is a fascinating castle to visit at the same time!

With thanks from URL page: http://www.stayinwales.co.uk/wales_picture.cfm?p=4224

With thanks from URL page:  http://www.ilkcam.com/Specials/04Hol/15%20Manorbier.html
Ilkeston Cam; thank you!

Churches which are known to have had west gallery features or connections

Chapels which have west gallery features or connections

The Victorian ecclesiologist Professor Freeman describes the tower as ‘among the most remarkable towers of Pembrokeshire ... conspicuous for its immense massiveness, which gives it a more military effect than any of the others’.  It contains a ring of eight bells, the earliest of which dates from 1763.  Two more were added in 1765, one bearing the inscription ‘Thomas Rudhall made us all’.  The last two were added to commemorate Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1897.

This ancient parish church with its distinctive fortified tower was founded in the 13th century, the tower and north aisle added in 1350, and the whole restored in 1880.

The nave holds eight stained glass windows by the famous Victorian artist Charles Kempe, and a pleasing variety of memorials to local gentry. A distinctive one from 1610 was carved from a piece of discarded alabaster from the rood screen originally erected in the early 1400s.

There is an early Norman font, a Lady Chapel and the location of two early galleries can be clearly seen.

The tower contains a peal of eight bells, still actively rung on Sundays, Tuesdays and on other special occasions.

The church is close to Pembroke Castle dating from 1093, sited on the original crossroads of the old town, and recently a memorial garden has been created at the back of the church making a delightful place to enjoy a picnic whilst enjoying an excellent view of the Pembroke River and the extensive Millpond.

Postcode: SA71 4NP   Website: www.revjones.fsnet.co.uk
Opening Times
Tuesday, 10.30am - 2.30pm

Asterisks denote churches in preparation