Introduction
The site includes major elements of the landscaping scheme surrounding a medieval bishop's palace. There is a grand, water-flanked approach, a well-preserved and elaborate fishpond complex and a large park dating from before 1280.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
01443 336000Access contact details
1st April - 31st March
Daily 10am–4pm
Our visitor centre is currently closed – please enter via the side gate.Directions
The site is off the A4139 between Tenby and Pembroke.
Owners
Cadw
Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Parc Nantgarw, CF15 7QQ
- History
Lamphey Lodge and a walled deer park were formed within the medieval park in 1818.
In 1823 further landscaping involved the conversion of the palace precinct into an elaborate garden, traces of which remain. There was also further landscaping around it, most of which remains.
Period
Medieval (1066-1540)
- Features & Designations
Designations
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW(Dy)34(PEM)
- Grade: II*
Scheduled Ancient Monument
- Reference: Palace (Pem 03)
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: Barn at Upper Lamphey Park Farm
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: Bishop's Palace
- Grade: I
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: Former entrance gateway building
- Grade: II
CADW Register of Listed Buildings in Wales
- Reference: Medieval house at Upper Lamphey Park Farm
- Grade: II*
Features
- Palace (featured building)
- Description: The old hall is thought to be the earliest surviving structure, dating from the 13th century. There is documentary evidence of the park by 1280.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Park Wall
- Description: Enclosing walls of the medieval park, partly replaced in the early-19th century.
- Stream
- Ornamental Bridge
- Fishpond
- Description: There are two ponds, as well as others which are now silted.
- Approach
- Description: A grand, water-flanked approach.
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Palace
Period
Medieval (1066-1540)
Survival
Part: ground/below ground level remains
Hectares
80
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Lamphey
- References
References
- CADW, {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire} (Cardiff: CADW, 2002) 234
- Whittle, E., {The Historic Gardens of Wales} (Cardiff: CADW, 1992) 4, 9, 11
- Jones, F., {Historic Houses of Pembrokeshire and their Families} (Newport: Brawdy Books, 1996)
- Laws, E., {The History of Little England Beyond Wales} (London: George Bell & Sons, 1888) 56, 101, 174, 263, 273, 304, 306, 327, 348, 379