PembrokeshireHAVERFORDWESTStMary(ceridwenCC-BY-SA2.0)1 Ceridwen

St Mary

Set at the top of the tidal part of the Western Cleddau river, Haverfordwest was an important port in medieval times, and a key town in 'England beyond Wales'.

Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

Opening times

Welcome to this special church which is normally open from 10am to late afternoon daily.

Address

High Street
Haverfordwest
Pembrokeshire
SA61 1NF

It's a region that was so thoroughly taken over by the Normans and later incomers that the original Welsh inhabitants and their language were subsumed.

The east end of St Mary's dominates the top of the High Street, making a stone full stop to the rows of pastel coloured houses.

It is a castle like building, with a square tower and battlements. It dates mostly from the 13th century, and the piers and arches in the nave are particularly fine, lit by a later Perpendicular clerestory.

The lovely oak roofs are 16th century, some of the superb bosses being in the shape of the Tudor rose. The roof is supported on stone corbels in the shape of human faces, and the capitals of the piers have detailed stone carving of foliage, people and creatures.

Here is more wonderful carving, this time in wood, on the bench end of the Mayor and Sheriff's Pew. It shows a splendid, feathered St Michael, with raised sword and winged dragon at his feet.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church in Wales

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Tabernacle Congregational Chapel

Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire

Tabernacle Chapel was built in 1774, and is known as one of the outstanding buildings of the region.

St Michael

Rudbaxton, Pembrokeshire

A beautiful church in the heart of Pembrokeshire countryside, renowned for the striking 17th century monument to the Howard Family, along with its link to General Sir Thomas Picton and William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury.