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GUMFRESTON - from Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Wales(1833)

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GUMFRESTON, a parish in the hundred of CASTLEMARTIN, county of PEMBROKE, SOUTH WALES, 1 1/2 miles (W. by N.) from Tenby, containing 103 inhabitants. This place, from its pleasant situation near the coast, and the highly medicinal properties of some springs which are strongly impregnated with iron, has for some time been rising into consideration, and is likely to become, under judicious management, a place of fashionable resort during the summer season. Three of these springs, all slightly differing in the properties of their waters, but similar in their ferruginous impregnation, rise in different parts of the churchyard, and at their junction form a small rivulet, which flows through the parish. The water is said to have been found highly efficacious in relieving various disorders, and it is now in contemplation to enclose the springs, and to erect a small pump-room, with other appendages, for the accommodation of visitors, who, from its short distance from Tenby and its pleasingly rural situation and appearance, are in the habit of resorting to this place for the benefit of the water. Coal of hard quality is found in the parish, but is worked only for the supply of the immediate neighbourhood. The living is a discharged rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of St.David's, rated in the king's books at £9.12. 3 1/2., and in the patronage of John Meyrick, Esq. The church is a handsome structure, romantically situated in a richly wooded dell, where it is concealed from distant view, excepting only its lofty square tower, which forms an object of picturesque and interesting appearance. The parsonage-house, which is pleasantly situated, has been much enlarged and improved by the present incumbent, who is about to establish a Sunday school for the gratuitous instruction of the children of the parish. The average annual expenditure for the support of the poor amounts to £75.12.

 

 

Gareth Hicks, 23 Dec 1999