Archbishop joins celebrations at Gerald of Wales church

The Archbishop of Wales is to join celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the church of medieval chronicler, Gerald of Wales.

Gerald of Wales was appointed rector of St Mary’s Church in Tenby in 1210 after his failed campaign for an Archbishop of Wales. Wales would have to wait until the disestablishment of the Church in Wales in 1920 for its first Archbishop.

Dr Barry Morgan will join the celebrations in Tenby on Sunday.

He said: “When St Mary's was first built in Tenby in 1210, Wales was a part of Catholic Christendom, the Magna Carta had not been signed and the Normans were building castles to control the land by force.

“It's certainly seen a lot of changes over the centuries but throughout it has been a stronghold of Christianity and a cornerstone of the community, nurturing and guiding people in their faith and bearing witness to God's love.

“That's what we give thanks for today as we celebrate its history and also look forward to its future."

Present rector Andrew Davies said Gerald’s appointment had marked the foundation of the parish of Tenby. Prior to that, monks from Pembroke Priory had led worship in a church building on the site.

He said: “We are delighted that the Archbishop is joining us – it was his job, not mine, that Gerald really wanted and I think he would be thrilled.”