A Personal History of Pembrokeshire (part 6)

This week, Manorbier, This lovely little village on the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path has a fascinating history. The most popular attraction is Manorbier Castle, originally a wooden keep defended by a palisade and earthworks, built on land granted to Odo de Barri, a Norman knight, at the end of the 11th century. However it was Odo's son, William de Barri, who began work on the stone fortification in the early part of the 12th century, the great hall, built in the 1140s, today remains the “oldest stone building surviving at any castle in west Wales”. It is not just a remarkable building in the way its stone still stands intact, but it is also an interesting room to visit in the castle. Dotted around the castle, sections of the 12th century wall-painting have survived and provide us with a fascinating insight into medieval artwork. and the Chapel, which was built around 1260, has elaborate vaulting and plaster-work. Some of the original medieval frescoes can still be seen.
In 1146 Gerald of Wales, the great twelfth century scholar known as Geraldus Cambrensis, was born at the castle and it is through Gerald that we know most of the history of the village ...and indeed the medieval history of Wales. As the fourth son of William de Barri, he was related on his mothers's side, to the legendary Welsh princess Nest verch Rhys. Gerald wrote of his birthplace: “In all the broad lands of Wales, Manorbier is the most pleasant place by far.”

In the castle's history, it was surprisingly only attacked twice; both were minor skirmishes. In 1327, Richard de Barri assaulted Manorbier in a family dispute over ownership. Then 300 years later during the English Civil War, the castle was seized in 1645 by Parliamentarian forces. It was then slighted to prevent further use by the Royalists.
Through the 17th and 18th centuries Manorbier was allowed to decay. However in 1880, the castle was partially restored by J.R.Cobb, (a tenant of the Phillipps who owned the castle), who carried out repairs on the buildings and walls.
Manorbier Castle is now privately owned by Lady Dunsany (a Philipps descendant) and is open to the public during normal hours. A fine gift shop is located on the site, inside the renovated guardroom adjacent to the great gatehouse.

Manorbier was also a popular haunt of the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw and author Virginia Woolf.

The castle was used as Cair Paravel by the BBC in an adaption of The Chronicles of Narnia filmed in 1988.
The 2003 film, I Capture the Castle, was shot entirely on location at the castle.

Manorbier’s second most popular attraction is its delightful beach. Sheltered by two cliffs on either side of its wide golden sands, the beach is also overlooked by the castle and the 12th century Norman church. It is a sandy beach with pebbles along the banks. Children will love playing in the rock pools spotting starfish and crabs, whilst parents laze on the sand beside the shore! If you are feeling brave enough to test the warm Welsh waters don't forget your surf board as Manorbier beach can be very popular with surfers during the summer months.

Pembrokeshire Coastal Path: If you need a break away from the sand and sea, you can take a delightful walk along the cliff tops, which offer excellent views of not just the beach, but also the Castle, Church and Pembrokeshire countryside. Indeed the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path cuts through Manorbier on its way eastward to Tenby, or winding westward along the scenic route to the secluded Swanlake Bay.

The King’s Quoit: Close to Manorbier alongside the coastal path you will find The King’s Quoit, a striking stone cromlech (a prehistoric megalithic structure), which dates from around 3000BC. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy a picnic during the summer months. In fact FBM Holidays probably have the holiday cottage for you to enjoy all of the scenic sights around Manorbier and have special offers available right now. Don’t delay, book today at www.fbmholidays.co.uk DS