St Florence Church
Originally this 12th century church had only a nave and chancel, about two-thirds the length of the present building. The font and a pillar stoup survive from this period.
Enlarged in the 13th century, the tower was added in the 1500's. In
1870 it was restored extensively. The floor was raised by three feet
(hence the low squint) and the pulpit and organ were installed. The
driving force was G. W. Birkett, who was vicar for 48 years. When he
came to St. Florence, '...there were cocks and hens roosting in the
Church and a horse was kept in the porch...'. In 1963 the tower and
bells were renovated and there is now a fine peal of six bells, two
having been added during the restoration work.
Memorials include those to the Williams family of Ivy Tower, to Bishop Ferrar of St. Davids, who was burnt at the stake in Carmarthen in 1555 and to Robert Rudd who was sinecure Rector of St. Florence and later Archdeacon of St. Davids; he was active on the Royalist side in the Civil War, and was amongst those taken prisoner in March 1644 when Tenby fell to the local Parliamentary forces. In the churchyard is a preaching cross and also the village War Memorial.
In 1923 the vicarage of Redberth was united with St. Florence.
In 1985, St. Florence and Redberth were grouped with Manorbier and Jameston.
