History of Tenby
Tenby's roots date back to the time of the Norman Conquest when the
county was invaded and colonised in around 1093. Much of the medieval
castle walls, built by the Pembrokeshire Earls in 1264 to fortify the
town from Welsh rebellion, have survived intact to the present day.
The narrow cobbled streets lined with shops, cafés and restaurants are
also reminders of this bygone age. Tenby did not become a popular tourist
destination until after the Victorians began visiting the town for the
health benefits they believed the resort offered. It was popularised
by Sir William Paxton, and in 1863, The Industrial revolution arrived
in the form of railways and shipping lanes and the tourist industry truly
boomed.
Where can I go?
Tenby Mural
Local artist Eric Bradforth painted this 32ft by 8ft mural to grace the
Market Hall. The painting displays events and details from Tenbys long
history, including the building of the walls and railways and the various
individuals whose influence on the town still remains. The Market Hall
is open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 5pm and opens onto both Upper
Frog Street and the High Street.
Castle Hill Memorial
The Welsh National Memorial to Queen Victoria's Consort, Prince Albert,
was one of many additions to Tenby made during the Victorian era, when
Tenby was a Mecca for the well to do holiday maker of the day. Inaugurated
by Prince Arthur in 1865, the Memorial is a short distance from a replica
Victorian bandstand built in the last decade. Every summer, the bandstand
is home to various musical performances.
The Lifeboat Station
The Lifeboat station was built in 1852 has been the home many vessels
and their crews. The current lifeboat, Sir Galahad, inherits 150 years
of history, and over 200 successful rescues. It's station house stands
between Castle Hill and the Harbour and is open to the public during
the summer months from 7am until 9pm, Monday to Saturday.
Tudor Merchants House
Built in the 15th Century, and still furnished and decorated with authentic
Tudor fittings, Tenby's Tudor Merchants House successfully illustrates
the lifestyle of a successful Tudor family. It's the oldest Furnished
residence in Tenby and is owned and run by the National Trust. Located
on Quay Hill between Tudor Square and the Harbour, the Tudor Merchants
House is open from the 1st of April to the 30th of September, Monday
to Saturday 10am - 5pm, and Sunday 12 - 3pm. Call 01834 842279 for details.
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
Tenby's rich and long history is presented in detail at the award winning
community museum on Castle Hill. Natural history and social changes are
chronicled alongside the Art Gallery, which showcases local art and representations
of Tenby through the ages. Call 01834 842809 for more details.
Medieval Castle Walls
The 13th Century castle walls mark out Tenby's original boundary before
it expanded across the cliff tops and inroads of the local area. The
original walls included a number of gatehouses and a large Barbican on
the western wall, which is now the Five Arches. The height and depth
of the wall was increased for the last time in the 15th century. Today,
the town walls stand as a reminder of Tenby's ancient roots and importance,
both strategically and commercially, over the last seven centuries.