|
Tours > Wales > Tenby
Tenby (Dinbych yy Pysgod: Dinbich Uh Pusgod)
Tenby's position, on the south coast of Pembrokeshire makes it very much an "English" town, for it lies well within the Landsker, the boundary that separates the Welsh-speaking areas to the north of the county, from the former Norman and Flemish settled areas in the south (the Landsker Visitor Center is at Narberth, a tiny town of steep streets about nine miles north of Tenby).
Situated on a narrow, rocky promontory, the town of Tenby is full of medieval streets lying snugly against the ruins of the 13th century town walls, much of which survive. Originally a Norse settlement, Tenby became a Welsh stronghold in the ninth century; its name means "little fort of fishes" ("Pysgod" coming from the Latin "Pisces"). Norman settlers then transformed the area, so that by the time of Elizabeth I, it was known as "England beyond Wales."
Thirteenth-century St. Mary's, possessing a fine 15th century decorated roof, is the largest parish church in Wales. The Tudor Merchant's House, dating from the 15th century, stands on Quay Hill. It now houses a National Trust Information Center and an exhibition. Of the same period, adjacent Plantagenet House is also of interest. During the English Civil Wars, Tenby was garrisoned and besieged by both Parliamentary and Royal forces. It became popular as a health resort in the 18th century, becoming a major destination for vacationers from all over Britain when it was reached by rail in 1853.
Each September, Tenby holds its Arts Festival, featuring a range of local, national and international artists with lunch time and evening concerts and events in different locations in the town. Also featured are Celtic exploration and lectures by experts in various fields.
A regular boat service runs from Tenby Harbor to Caldey Island, with its monastery owned and worked by the Cistercians who distill perfume from the islands abundant flowers; and its Ogham stone now housed in the restored church of St. Illtyd (Ithtid). A museum in the town has displays the areas natural history, archeology, geology and local flora and fauna. On much nearer St. Catherine's island is a small zoo. Each July, the town holds its St. Margaret's Fair. The famous painter Augustus John was born in Tenby in 1878. The huge rock that dominates the waters off North Beach is known as Goscar Rock.
Next Stop: St. Govan's Chapel
|
|
|
