The Normans established an early castle-borough at Tenby-its promontory position being ideal for defense and a natural maritime port. Although there are signs of much older dwellings it was the Normans who developed a community, although the Welsh name -"Dinbych-y-pysgod" means Tenby of the Fish appears in the 9th century. The castle was established in the late 11th century. The Norman town and castle were destroyed by Llywelwyn ap Gruffudd in 1260. The medieval town was re-built by William de Valence who issued the first borough charter in 1280. The Castle was rebuilt , the town laid out on the western slope and protected by stone walls. St.Mary's church was re-built , although there are some signs of Norman structure.
By the late 14th century Tenby ahs emerged as a prosperous town due to fishing and trading links with Brittany, France and Ireland. By 1329 the population was about 1500. The town had a weekly market on a Wednesday and an annual fair. The focal point of the town was the quay at the foot of the castle, which was built in the early 13th century and had a chapel at the end of it built by Warren de Monchensey. Part of the pier is incorporated in the new pier. In 1328 the town received a murage grant and substantial sections of wall remain. In 1457 Jasper Tudor carried out extensive refortification. Much of the walls and gates remained intact until the 2nd half of the 18th century.
The burgage pattern can be seen off Frog St and High street. The Tudor Merchant House is an example of early architecture in the town. The town survived attacks by the Glyndwr rebels.
The town continued to prosper until the 2nd half of the 17th century when Narbeth market led to a decline in its fortunes. Although suppressed for a while the decline continued and by 1670 the population had fallen to 850. In 1810 there were 800 inhabitants. However by the 1830's the figures had soared to 2100 with the growth of tourism and the twice weekly steam packet from Bristol with Tenby emerging as a principal Welsh resort.
Tenby is a lovely old walled town (with much of the wall still intact) with three of the loveliest and most popular award-winning beaches in Pembrokeshire. Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink, and there's ample choice of accommodation to fit all tastes and budgets and ages. Population 5,000
Attraction
Castle Beach
Dinosaur Park
Manor House Wildlife Park
Manorbier Castle
North Beach
Ocean Commotion
Penally Beach
Tenby Museum & Art Gallery
Tudor Merchant's House
Camping
Arreton Touring & Tent Park
Kiln Park Holiday Centre
Lodge Farm
Meadow Farm
South Hills Lodge
Trefalun
Tudor Glen
Well Park Caravans
Wood Park Caravans
Caravan Park
Arreton Touring & Tent Park
Hazelbrook Caravan Park
Lydstep Beach Holiday Resort
Penally Court Caravan Park
Well Park Caravans
Whitewell Caravan Park
Windmills Caravan Park
Wood Park Caravans
Church
Cottage
Hanna's Cottage
Harbour Hideaway
Dentist
Glen Cottage Dental Practice
Warren Street Dental Practice
Doctor
Estate Agent
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Crackwell Holiday Park
Kiln Park Holiday Centre
Lydstep Beach Holiday Resort
Rowston Holiday Park
Market
Tenby MarketPub and Bar
Atlantic Hotel
Buccaneer
Bush Inn
Crown
Fourcroft Hotel
Lamb Inn
Lifeboat Tavern
Retreat
Sun Inn
Three Mariners Inn
White Hart Bar
Restaurant
Atlantic Hotel
Bay Of Bengal
Baytree
Blueberry's
Carringtons Restaurant
Fourcroft Hotel
La Cave
Lifeboat Tavern
Mews Bistro
Mykonos
New Overlander
Penally Abbey Hotel
Pipers Restaurant
Plantagenet House Restaurant
Reef (The)
Retreat
Sun Inn
Upper Crust
School
Greenhill Comprehensive School
St Teilo's R C Primary School
Tenby County Primary Junior School
Solicitor
Taxi
J B Taxis
Manorbier Taxis
Penally Cabs
T Lemon
Tenby Taxis
Vet
Shops
Four Seasons
Boots
The Pet Shop
White Lion Pharmacy
J E Stevenson
Dai-The-Boot
Augustus Galleries
Jennifer Morgan
Anne Gregson
Harbour Gallery
Peacocks
Julian Graves
Activities
Heatherton Activity Park Wales(Adventure)
Ritec Valley Quad Bikes(Motor Sports)
Places to Stay near Tenby
Deer Park Guest House (0.07 miles)
The county has an enviable amount of ... More | visit website
Fourcroft Hotel (0.09 miles)
Albany Hotel (0.09 miles)
The Albany Hotel is ideally located along the Pembrokeshire Coastline, and only a couple of minutes stroll to the North Beach & Harbour. Near to the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path and ... More
Royal Lion Hotel (0.09 miles)
The Royal Lion Hotel appeals essentially to those who on holiday look for peace and quietness amongst surroundings of interest and beauty. Its greatest asset as it nestles behind the Old Town wall lies in ... More | visit website
Roch Villa Bed and Breakfast (0.13 miles)
Ivy Bank Guest House (0.13 miles)
Normandie Inn (0.16 miles)
Historically ... More | visit website
Langdon Villa Guest House (0.16 miles)
Imperial Hotel (0.33 miles)
Atlantic Hotel (0.36 miles)
The Atlantic ... More | visit website
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