Gumfreston

 Other in Gumfreston:
 Great Wedlock Dinosaur Experience
       Gumfreston
       Tenby
       Dyfed
       SA70 8RB
 01834 845272

Gumfreston - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849)
GUMFRESTON, a parish, in the hundred of Narberth, union and county of Pembroke, South Wales, 1½ mile (W. by N.) from Tenby; containing 128 inhabitants. This place, from its pleasant situation, and the highly medicinal properties of some springs here that are strongly impregnated with iron, is likely to be more resorted to at no distant period. Three of these springs, slightly differing in the properties of their waters, but similar in their ferruginous impregnation, rise in the churchyard, and fall into a stream which flows through the parish; the water is said to have been found highly efficacious in relieving various disorders. Coal of hard quality is found, and worked for the supply of the immediate neighbourhood. The living is a discharged rectory, rated in the king's books at £9. 12. 3½.; patron, the representative of the late Thomas Meyrick, Esq.: the tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £154; and there is a glebe of twenty-six acres, valued at £25. 4. per annum. The church is a handsome structure, romantically situated in a wooded dell, where it is concealed from distant view, excepting only its square tower, which forms a pleasing object; the parsonage-house is agreeably situated, and has been of late years much enlarged and improved. A schoolroom was erected adjoining the churchyard, in 1836, at an expense of £26, by the Rev. G. N. Smith, rector of the parish: no day school is held, but a Sunday school is supported by the clergyman and his friends. There are only three farmhouses and twelve cottages in the parish.