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