St Florence


St Florence is a village, parish and community situated to the west of the seaside town of Tenby in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It had a population of 490, 650 751 in 2001. The present name of the village is taken from the saint to whom the church is dedicated, St. Florentius.

History

St Florence dates back to Norman times, and remains of 16th and 17th century buildings still exist, with Flemish chimneys, characteristic of Pembrokeshire, in evidence, named after Flemish settlers in the region. The river Ritec was navigable by small vessels as far upstream as St Florence until the 19th century when it silted up as a result of local land reclamation. The village is a noted stop on the Tenby to Whitland section of the Cistercian Way owing to its historical significance.

Geography

St Florence sits on The Ritec, a river that flows eastwards to its estuary in Tenby. East of St Florence on the north bank of the river is Ritec Fen, a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

St Florence Church (St. Florentius)

The 12th century parish church is dedicated to St Florentius; it was restored in the 19th century, and is a grade II* listed building. In the church is a memorial to Robert Ferrar, the Protestant Bishop of St Davids, who was burned at the stake at Carmarthen during the reign of Mary in 1555.

Public Transport

Bus Service 361 Edwards Coaches, nearest train station - Manorbier
Manorbier railway station is southwest of the village.

Sport and leisure activities

St Florence's football side were the Pembrokeshire Division 3 Cup champions of the season 2006/2007. The village hosts an annual Duck Race on the river at Easter for charity.
To the north of the village on the B4318 is Manor House Wildlife Park. Other local attractions include Heatherton World of Activities and The Dinosaur Park.