St Mary's Church, Tenby

link_to_french_translationSt Mary's Church, Tenby

Parts of this church date from the 13th century. Most of the present structure was erected in the 15th century. Some alterations were made during restoration works in the mid 19th century.

Photo of Tenby church in 1871

The upper photo by Charles Smith Allen depicts the church in the early 1870s and is shown here courtesy of Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru – the National Library of Wales. The 1920s postcard shows the church at the end of Tudor Square.

The roofs over the nave and chancel have survived since the 15th century. That over the chancel is supported by 16 carved timber angels. One of the fonts is also from that century, while the pulpit is from the 17th century.

Memorials inside the church date from the 15th to 19th centuries and include carvings from c.1482 and c.1507 of figures in the clothing of that era. Seven children are depicted on one tomb chest. Margaret, wife of Thomas ap Rees of Scotsborough, is commemorated here. He died in 1610 and was a descendant of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, the main backer of Henry Tudor’s campaign to take the throne as King Henry VII.

1920s postcard of Tudor Square and churchTwo finely carved effigies in the church depict Thomas White and his son John. Thomas sheltered Henry and Jasper Tudor beneath the buildings across the street as the pair awaited their escape to Brittany in 1471.

The clock tower is said to date from the 13th century and may once have been equipped with a handless clock which relied on chimes to inform people of the time.

The church contains a window in memory of the First World War dead and a wooden screen in honour of the local men and women who died in the Second World War. You can discover who they were on this page.

Postcode: SA70 7AD    View Location Map

Parish website

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