|
|
You are here:
Get Paid to Submit Articles Click Here
Manorbier Beach
See More articles From stevelast
|
Manorbier is a small seaside village midway between Tenby and Pembroke, and best known for its two striking features - its beach and well preserved medieval castle. It is situated in Pembrokeshire, approximately 9 kilometers from the seaside town of Tenby, Wales, United Kingdom.
It is charmingly located at the head of a valley that reaches down to the shore in a beautiful bay with a safe sandy bathing beach.
The Castle
Manorbier castle is a splendid example of a Norman castle and is only a few minutes walk away from the beach car park. Manorbier Castle is open to the public during the summer season.
It sits at a spectacular location overlooking the bay and was the birthplace of Gerald of Wales (Geraldus Cambrensis), a much respected medieval writer and man of many talents whose two major books are still in print today.
Giraldo Cambrensis is reported to have described the place as "the most pleasant point of Wales". This was quite a compliment from Giraldus who is one of the most important figures of Welsh medieval history. He spent Christmas at Manorbier in the twelfth century, so the reported judgment on its city and its castle is thought not to be completely impartial.
The Village
Manorbier village itself is small and attractive village just a few paces up the valley from the castle. Also in the village there is a well equipped Londis, Post Office, two public houses, and tea room.
The village's name is thought to have been derived from Maenor Pyr (Manor of Pyr) and Pyr is believed to have been the first Celtic abbot of Caldey, living in the 5th century.
The Church
Manorbier also boasts its own 12th Century Norman Church.
The Beach
Manorbier has a beautiful sandy cove popular with surfers, swimmers and families alike. The outlook from the bay is that of the fine medieval castle and church. Further up in the village surfers can enjoy refreshment at the friendly pubs and anything else they may need can be purchased at the useful local shop.
Military Range
Manorbier has its own a Ministry of Defence (MOD) military training range which acts as host to heavy and light ack-ack units for training. The presence of the range provides one reason for its quiet and unspoilt character. Paradoxically the MOD land has never been subjected to modern farming methods which means that there area abounds with wildflowers and wildlife flourishes due to limited access to the public.
Cliffs
The cliffs at Manorbier are much more gently sloping than further south and west Access is good and there are good paths which are ideal for walkers. These provide good views out to sea, inland to the castle and church, and on good clear days glimpses of the more majestic cliffs further south.
Pembrokeshire has some of the oldest rock formations in the world and some are over 3,000 million years old. The greater part of the county's coastline consists of rugged cliffs and coves broken up by some of the best sandy beaches in Wales, and Manorbier beach is up there with the best.
Historical References
Odo de Barri, a Norman knight was given the area of Manorbier, Penally and Begelly as payment for his help in conquering Pembrokeshire in 1003.
Manorbier is, in its own unspoilt quiet way, romantic, fascinating and beautiful, and well worth visiting if you are in the area.
|
Steve Evans also writes for the Dog Breeds Compendium. Continue to his leading site to find out more about all dog breeds.
Flag as inappropriate
| Comment |
|
| Share this article |
|
|
|
|