Historic Church on the outskirts of Tenby to reopen after restoration

A celebration will take place next month to mark the reopening of an historic church on the outskirts of Tenby.
St Lawrence's in Gumfreston is tucked down a tiny track. Cloistered by trees, the churchyard is carpeted in spring with tiny stars of lesser celandine, while the three holy wells gurgle all year round.
With its enormous tapering tower, vaulted porch and intriguing interior, St Lawrence's has drawn people to its door for centuries.
The repairs here have taken years.
“Before we intervened, the church was in dreadful condition,” said a spokesperson for The Friends of Friendless Churches project team, who have worked tirelessly on the building’s long road to recovery to make it look resplendent again.
“St Lawrence’s was designated ‘at-risk’ in 2021. After carrying out emergency holding repairs in 2022, funded in part by a grant from Cadw’s maintenance and minor repairs funding scheme, we were delighted to receive a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund in 2023 that enabled us to take St Lawrence’s into our care.
“The work has not always been easy - not least because the church was saturated with moisture and is taking a long time to dry out.
“On top of this, we have made several unexpected discoveries along the way.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has worked on this project, everyone who has supported the work and to our neighbours and volunteers in Gumfreston who have been exceedingly patient.”
The church sits in a wooded valley overlooking the river Ritec (Rhydeg). Now a trickle, the river was tidal until the early 19th century, which gave Gumfreston a critical role in Tenby’s prosperous medieval mercantile economy; goods traded with Europe and even Newfoundland could be securely stored here, safe from raids by pirates.