Carew Cross

Heritage Site in Pembrokeshire

Wales

Carew Cross

Carew Cross is a historical monument located in the village of Carew in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It is a significant heritage site that holds great cultural and historical importance. The cross is situated in the grounds of Carew Castle, a medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century.

The Carew Cross is believed to have been erected in the 11th century and stands at an impressive height of 4.5 meters. It is a Celtic-style cross made from local limestone and features intricate carvings that depict various Christian scenes such as the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and biblical figures like Adam and Eve.

The cross is adorned with beautiful decorative patterns, including interlacing motifs and knotwork, which are typical of the Celtic art style. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of early medieval stone carving in Wales.

Over the years, the Carew Cross has suffered damage and decay due to weathering and vandalism. However, it has undergone several restoration projects to preserve its historical significance. Today, it is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is a popular attraction for visitors interested in Welsh history and culture.

Carew Cross serves as a testament to the rich heritage of Pembrokeshire and offers a glimpse into the region's early Christian period. Its location within the picturesque grounds of Carew Castle further enhances its appeal, providing visitors with an immersive historical experience.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Carew Cross Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.698/-4.8278 or Grid Reference SN0403. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Carew Tidal Mill

Following a fire in 1955 which destroyed a similar building in Pembroke, this tidal mill remains the only one of its kind in Wales. A mill of some kind has existed here since as early as 1542 but the present building dates from the early 19th century. One of the two mill wheels carries the date 1801. The term “French Mill”, often used about Carew, may be a reference to the use of French burr stones. It is hoped that the south wheel will at least be able to turn some of the auxiliary machinery on a regular basis in the future. Thanks to another contributor for some of the additional historic information.

Garth Newton

Carew Castle

Carew Castle hosted the Great Tournament, following Sir Rhys ap Thomas' appointment by Henry VII to the status of Knight of the Garter for his assistance in defeating Richard III at Bosworth Field. Recent archaeology has discovered evidence that a Celtic fort, possibly as early as the 8th century BC, existed many centuries before the castle was built. Gerald de Windsor, sheriff of Pembroke Castle, gained the land at Carew as part of the dowry on his marriage to Helen Nest, the daughter of the late Welsh king, Rhys ap Tewdwr. All that remains from the castle he built, in about 1100, is a wall from a tower, now part of the East Range. In the late 13th century Sir Nicholas Carew completely rebuilt the castle including the West Range with a new Great Hall flanked by two massive drum towers. Thanks to another contributor for some of the additional historic information.

Garth Newton

Carew Cross

An 11th century Celtic cross, one of the finest free-standing ancient stone crosses in the UK, erected to the memory of the last King of Dyfed (Maredydd ap Edwin, d.1035), although it may have been originally used to commemorate the gift of this land by Maredydd to The Church. An agreed translation for the abbreviated Latin inscription was reached only in the 1940s. (Additional historic information provided by Martin Evans - thanks. GN)

Garth Newton

View of Carew Castle

Andy Lesnianski

Ford at Carew Cheriton

A 'water lane' or linear ford running west from the church.

Humphrey Bolton

Ford in use, Carew Cheriton

Another view of the 'water lane' when in use by a farm vehicle. Fortunately there is a dry footpath at the side. The submerged part of the lane has alter been closed to traffic, see Link

Humphrey Bolton

Charnel House, Carew Cheriton

This is in the churchyard. It was built in the 14C for the deposit of exhumed bones, with a chapel on the upper floor. It was converted to a school in the 17C.

Humphrey Bolton

Carew Castle from the east

This view shows the Middle Gatehouse, built c.1500, and on the right the curved end of the Elizabethan North Range.

Humphrey Bolton

Carew Castle from the west

The castle was built on a hill. overlooking the estuary of the Carew River. The two massive corner towers were built in the early 14C, and were later adapted to form part of the Elizabethan mansion.

Humphrey Bolton