St Thomas à Becket Chapel, Milford Haven, United Kingdom

St Thomas à Becket Chapel was constructed in 1180 and dedicated to St Thomas Becket. It commanded fine views of the Haven estuary, situated on the north bank in open space. Along with two other chapels, now disappeared, at Herbrandston and St Anne's Head, it functioned not only as a Catholic place of worship, but also as a Beacon Chapel, or lighthouse to sailors. The chapel enjoyed a dependent relationship with the nearby Pill Priory. By the 17th century the structure was in ruins, when it was occupied by Parliamentarian forces in 1644. It later acquired a function as storage for the battery located on the Rath.

In the twentieth century, it had become used as a pigsty and stable. In 1930, £1,000 was raised, and the building was reconstructed, work completed in 1938. It was re-consecrated as an Anglican chapel of ease. It is built of rubble stone with a graded slate roof, small nave and chancel, both with pointed barrel vaults. The interior is simple with plastered vaults, small niches each side in chancel and a curved rood beam with rood. The nave south facing windows have stained glass of 1935 and 1939 to Sir Hugh Thomas of Castle Hall. In 2012 it was privately sold, in spite of local opposition.

References:

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User Reviews

Łukasz Włoczewski (8 months ago)
Fantastic view and really nice walk from the lighthouse by the coast path

mr smokey (8 months ago)
Brilliant stay could use a pool table rather then table tennis downstairs and a tv

Derek W (2 years ago)
Beautifully converted Victorian fort run by Landmark Trust. Superb sea views from the terraces on the south and east sides, from where you can watch shipping coming in and out of Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock. Small windows mean few views from inside, but it's an excellent spot for walks along the coast path and around the Dale peninsula.

Simon C (3 years ago)
Stayed here three nights using Landmark Trust. Atmospheric and sensitively restored. Eight of us. Comfortable beds and lounge area.

Ant Car (4 years ago)
Stayed in the fort, absolutely wonderful and warm too.

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