A poem by John Prior, The Pembrokeshire Poet:
The Anatomy of Tenby
The jewel in the Crown of Pembrokeshire
A peninsular surrounded by idyllic beaches
Breath-taking scenery picturesque and unspoilt
Narrow cobbled streets hark back to its history
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Memories like DNA course through the streets of Tenby
Bonding generations of families together
Retaining, reviving, recalling previous experiences
From Tudor Merchants through to the present day
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Invaded by the Normans 1093
Sacked by Llewelyn ap Gruffydd 1260
Medieval defensive walls replace earthen ramparts
Walls ameliorated and moat widened 1588
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Defensive walls once encompassing the entire Town
Stand defiant with only six towers surviving
Semi-circular Five Arches Gate stands alone
Carmarthen, South and Quay Gates lost forever
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Grade 1 Medieval walls of distinction built for defence
South Parade and St Florence Parade remain intact
Arrow loops, crenelated parapets and bastion
A reminder of Tenby’s ancient roots and importance
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Dominating the Town centre for over 700 years
St Mary’s chimes invite patrons and visitors alike to enter
Where time stands still and faith in God prevails
Calm, quiet, peaceful and tranquil some of its superlatives
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The exquisite 13th Century ‘Wagon’ roof and panelled ceiling
75 Carved bosses grotesques, fish, green man, mermaid and foliage
Jesus surrounded by four Apostles stands supreme
13th Century font and bell cast ‘Santa Anna’- Mother of Mary
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A Town famed for mathematician Robert Recorde
Thomas White for hiding the young Henry Tudor from Edward 4th
Christus Rex a moving tribute to our Lord by Jonah Jones
Unique 15th Century Merchants House furnished as in days gone by
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Favoured by Victorians for health giving properties
Popularised by Sir William Paxton as a resort
Immortalised by Eric Bradford’s mural within Market Hall
Historically chronicled at Castle Head museum
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Momentous change in Town's fortunes
Heralded by the arrival of the railway 1863
Providing an access portal for tourism
Bringing a revolution in holiday habits
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Beneath St Mary’s 152 ft high spire
Eager children and adults await trips by horse drawn carriage
The chance to experience the charm and beauty of Tenby
A taste of life in days of old
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The Promenade reveals the golden sand of North and Harbour Beaches
Stunning views of Carmarthen Bay set against pure blue skies
Yachts and vessels of all descriptions lie beached in the Harbour
The formidable Goskar Rock a backdrop to fun loving families
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St Julians Chapel 1878 snuggles neatly into Penniless Cove Hill
Designed by William N Dunn specifically for Fisherman
The quaint and beautiful Gothic interior a visitors delight
Royal National Lifeboat Institution service held here annually
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Castle Heads gleaming new RNLI Lifeboat Station
Complete with the ‘Haydn Miller’ Tamar Class Lifeboat
Acknowledges Tenby’s important and strategic coastal location
Life-saving engrained in the heart and blood of the Town
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Tenby Castle's surviving Tower stands alone at Castle Head
Music emanates from the Bandstand near Prince Albert's Memorial
Cultural taste buds awakened at Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
Castle Beach lies in the cove adjacent to St Catherine’s Island
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Castle Beach busy slipway is the entrance to beach heaven
Pure soft golden sand a delight for any age
Low tide sees boat trips come and go to Caldey Island
Magical moments created and stored forever in one’s heart
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Looking down from The Esplanade South Beach extends to Giltar Point
Along the shoreline sheer cliffs give way to sand dunes
While the gently sloping beach descends to pure clear water
In the distance mysterious Caldey Island beckons
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Visiting Caldey Island is like stepping back in time
The Reformed Order of Cistercian Monks lead a simple life
Noted for perfumes and lotions derived from flowers
The chance to appreciate John Coates Carters phenomenal Abbey
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Ironman enthusiasts descend on Tenby in September
Crowds watch as competitors swim the 2.4 mile ‘zig zag’ course
Fund raising devotees take to water on Boxing and New Year’s Day
The positive effects of Tourism on Tenby in Summer and Winter