Tenby - St Mary

The Vikings are thought to have founded a settlement near Tenby in the early Middle Ages. In the late 11th century, the Normans made Tenby their headquarters as the town had a good strategic location. During this time, there were frequent battles with the Welsh, who did not want to accept the seizure.

Over the years, more and more Normans, French, English and Flemings migrated to south Pembrokeshire and settled under the protection of Tenby Castle. The town walls from this period are still largely intact today. In 1153, the town and castle were again conquered by the Welsh. The brothers Maredudd and Rhys ap Gruffydd attacked the castle with their troops. This attack was an act of revenge for the attack on their brother Cadell ap Gruffydd, who had been injured by soldiers while hunting near Saundersfoot. The brothers punished those responsible and then withdrew from the castle.

In 1187, Welsh troops under Maelgwn ap Rhys conquered and plundered the town. However, the property soon passed back into Norman hands. The last Welsh conquest took place in 1260 by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd during his campaign to liberate Wales.

The majority of the remaining building dates from the 15th century with some features retained from the 13th century. The 13th Century chancel has a 'wagon' roof and the panelled ceiling has 75 bosses carved in a variety of designs