Church of St. Michael

The Church of St. Michael is a 13th-century church and tower, with later medieval alterations to the tower’s height, situated within a partly artificial hollow. The tower is located at the south side of the nave, replacing what would have been a transept. A notable upward slope is present in both the nave and chancel, accentuated by steps at the chancel arch and within the chancel itself. The chancel’s axis is also inclined to the right. The church underwent restoration in the early 19th century and again in 1858.

The building is constructed of random rubble masonry, with some areas rendered, and has a slate roof with modern verge parapets. The original tower had steep roofs with gables to the west and east; the lines of these gable verge lines are clearly visible as a joint in the masonry. The tower was later altered to a more local style through heightening and the addition of a corbelled parapet. Contemporary with this alteration are louvred lancet windows partially recessed within the parapet. The porch was initially two-storied, but only supporting corbels remain from the upper floor. A water stoup is situated beside the entrance door. Evidence of a lost west porch, and lost north and south chapels is seen both externally and internally. A restored stone churchyard cross stands on a modern stepped platform.

Inside, a two-order arcade with pointed arches extends across the north side, consisting of four bays on piers in the nave and two smaller bays on columns in the chancel. A two bay arcade is also on the south side of the chancel. The corbels of the outer orders of the arcades in the chancel feature carved faces in high relief, partially damaged; the best examples are located behind the north pier of the present chancel arch and have a death-like appearance with closed eyes and shrunken noses and lips. A large squint with its own lean-to roof connects the north aisle to the chancel. The tower is vaulted across all floors, with stairs incorporated within the wall thickness rather than in a corner turret. The original entrance to the stairs from the nave is blocked. 19th-century lancet windows have been inserted throughout the church, including three trefoil-headed lancets in the east wall. The font is Norman, square, of the cushion type, featuring a row of scallops at the top and small leaves and scrolls at the corners. It stands on a short, thick shaft with a wide moulding and square base.

This medieval church holds considerable historical importance, exhibiting a collegiate plan form somewhat different from the standard parish church found in South Pembrokeshire.