Tenby History
Tenby, located in Pembrokeshire, Wales, was built by the Earls of Permbrokeshire in 1264 with the specific aim to protect the town from the Welsh rebellion. The construction had been so well done that the walls are still standing today bearing silent testimony of a glorious past. The first time historians talked about Tenby was around 1093 when it had become a Norman colony.
The walls of ancient Tenby stand confirmation of Tenby’s initial boundaries, which were erected in 13th Century and remodified in the 15th Century. The town had been then a very important commercial and strategic centre for which there had been many attempts to capture it during that period.
There are a number of castles that speak eloquently of Tenby’s history such as:
CarewCastle: This castle was constructed by Gerlad of Windsor in the year 1100. The Carew Castle was remodeled upon an old Iron Age Fort and modified to make it into the majestic castle it later became. Its architecture reflects the Tudor traditions. Today you can still see three of the towers and the chapel.
The PembrokeCastle: this castle was the birthplace of Henry VII. This is a Norman castle and a wonderfully constructed structure of the 13th Century. The Pembroke Castle too was supposed to have been built upon an earlier fortress. One of the main reasons for building this castle was to defend the borders of the town of “Little England” as it is still known today. There is an unusual looking D-shaped tower here, which is said to have been built by Adam de Rupe. The Rupe family had been instrumental in the settlement of the English settlement then.
You will also be able to learn much more of the Tenby’s history from the Tenby Museum of Art and Gallery, which is housed in the Castle Beach. The museum was inaugurated in 1878 and has some amazing exhibits regarding the archeology of the town as well as its historical past.
You will also find Tenby’s history displayed in the Market Hall on a large mural where Eric Bradforth had painstakingly painted the major events of this town’s past. Other important historical monuments in the town are:
The town of Tenby had been a jewel in the crown during the period from 1200-1650 AD, and hence had been the envy of many. However, in 1650, a civil war erupted, which destroyed half of its population. As a direct result, and owing to its relative isolation from other establishments, Tenby fell into economic recession and the town almost perished since most of the people migrated away in search of livelihood.
Fortunately, during the late 18th Century tourists discovered the potential of this wonderful place and hence, Tenby became the favorite and exclusive hangout of wealthy tourists. At the same time, doctors started recommending this as a destination for sea-air therapy, which supposedly could cure a host of ailments. These two factors together have made Tenby what it is today – one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
