St Mary's Church, Tenby facts for kids
.jpg)
St Mary's Church, Tenby is a beautiful old church right in the middle of Tenby, a town in Pembrokeshire, western Wales. It's an Anglican church, which means it's part of the Church in Wales. This church serves as the main church for both the town of Tenby and the countryside area nearby.
Contents
History of St Mary's Church
Most of the church building you see today was built in the 15th century, which is over 500 years ago! However, some parts are even older, dating back to the 13th century. People believe there has been a church on this spot since Norman times, around 1066.
One of the earliest leaders of the church, called a Rector, was a famous person named Gerald of Wales. He lived a very long time ago, in the 12th century.
Amazing Features Inside the Church
The main part of the church, called the chancel, has a special 'wagon' roof from the 13th century. Its ceiling is covered with 75 carved decorations called bosses. These carvings show all sorts of things like plants, funny creatures, fish, a mermaid, and even a Green Man. You can also see a carving of Jesus surrounded by his four main followers.
Two chapels were added later: St. Thomas' Chapel in the mid-15th century and St. Nicholas Chapel around 1485. The tall, pointy top of the church, called the spire, was also added in the 15th century.
Inside, you'll find a special stone basin called a font, used for baptisms, which is from the 15th century. There's also an old bell from the 15th century with the words 'Sancta Anna' cast into it.
The Church Tower
The church tower is located next to the chancel and was built in the late 13th century. The first floor of the tower used to be a small chapel. You can still see a stone altar and a piscina (a basin for washing sacred vessels) there.
The church has two fonts. One is from the 15th century, and the other is a more decorative, Gothic style font from the 19th century.
Important Memorials and History
St Mary's Church holds several memorials to important people. You can see the tombs of Thomas and John White, who were both Mayors of Tenby in the 1400s. Thomas White is famous for helping a young Henry Tudor hide from King Richard III. Henry Tudor later became King of England!
There's also a special plaque on the wall remembering Robert Recorde. He was a clever scholar from the Elizabethan era (the 1500s) who invented the equals sign (=) that we use in math today!
Protected Building Status
In 1951, St Mary's Church was given a Grade I listed status. This means it's considered a very important historical building because of its amazing late medieval design, its special roofs, and its old memorials.
Just outside the church, about 20 meters to the west, are the remains of what people believe was a choir school or college from the late 1400s. You can still see a pointed arch doorway in the wall. These remains are also protected as a Grade II* listed site.
