Church’s hidden history swept under the carpet (From Western Telegraph)

Church’s hidden history swept under the carpet

2:20pm Tuesday 3rd July 2007

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A church in Pembroke Dock has uncovered some beautiful and historic tiles during recent renovations.

St Patrick's, Pennar, has been described as a cathedral church because of its impressive archways and has undergone extensive repair work over the past two years.

The carpet that has been in the navel and the chancel for at least 50 years was looking the worse for wear and was removed during the spruce-up.

It was here the tiles were discovered, in mint condition after years hidden from sight.

Church warden Margaret Worley explained: "The foundation stone for the church was laid in 1894 and the tiles have been there since the church was built."

The tiles feature a Fleur de Lys pattern, a Welsh symbol and the Tudor Rose and Rose of York in black and terracotta colours.

"The restoration of the church was carried out by volunteers from the church and local community who kindly gave their time," said Margaret. "The tools and materials were also donated, including the 49 gallons of white masonry paint used to paint the inside walls," she added.

Pennar residents and church members have worked hard, she said. A wooden screen across the chancel has been removed, large areas of the walls have been re-rendered and the floor has been repaired and reinstated. Many other remedial repairs have also been carried out.

The tiles were discovered during three months of restoration that took place inside the church and will soon be professionally cleaned up to show off their natural beauty and become a treasured asset of the Church of Wales church.

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