The hidden gem of Lamphey Bishops Palace Palace was revealed to members of the local National Trust Association with help from a renowned local historian.

At the first event of the summer season, Terry John a local historian who worked at Lamphey Bishops Palace a few years ago, brought to life the now quiet palace preserved by CADW for the 36 members visiting last week.

Mr John took the group through the centuries, explaining who lived at the palace at Lamphey, near Pembroke. Its inhabitants included notable names such as Margaret Beaufort the mother of Henry VII, Walter Devereux and Henry de Gower the Bishop of St Davids. He talked in detail about how the Civil War affected the palace showing the musket holes in the wall where it would have been possible to shoot 'along the wall'.

The visitors’ attention was drawn to parts of the palace that might otherwise be missed: the medieval flower on the Great Hall wall and the clever way that the under croft was kept cool by diverting water along the floor. Mr John also told them some of the palace’s many ghost stories.

Afterwards the group retired to Lamphey Hall where they enjoyed a substantial cream tea.

You do not have to belong to the National Trust to be a member of the local Association. The Pembrokeshire Association has over 300 members. Visit www.pembsnta.org.uk. For full details on joining, contact Membership Secretary, Sheila Ashton on 01437 731525.