England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
Begelly St Mary

The Parish

The parish of Begelly lies in southeastern Pembrokeshire close to its coastline with the Bristol Channel. Begelly is located about 5 miles southeast of the small market town of Narberth. Begelly is sited on the A478 road which connects Narberth with the port and seaside resort of Tenby. Begelly is a largely linear village mostly built along the line of the main road, the village grew substantially following the discovery of both coal and iron ore deposits in the area. Prior to that, and during the period of this transcript, the parish was largely a pastoral farming community. During Victorian time substantial investments in tramways and later railways helped to ship the industrial products from the region. Although Begelly has the sea just 2 miles to the southeast, the drainage is curiously heading west to reach the sea through Milford Haven. Begelly is sited at between 50 and 80 metres above the sea, the village rises from south to north, and land continues to rise along the line of the A road to over 100 metres above the sea. By the standards of Pembrokeshire Begelly was one of the larger parishes and following industrial growth it would have supported almost 1,200 parishioners albeit the population was much smaller in the 18th century. Like most of Wales Begelly is not mentioned in Domesday Book.

The Church

St Mary's church is located at the junction of the A478 and Parsonage Lane. The church largely dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, albeit with much modification during and extensive restoration of 1887. The curiously spindly western tower is 16th century whilst parts of the chancel are dateable to the 15th. As can be seen the site is quite steeply sloping giving rise to the curiosity of nave and chancel appearing at differing heights. The church stands behind a substantial local stone wall, access being at the eastern end where a fine stone lych gate gives entry. There are few trees to obscure lines of sight although there is one tight to the western tower.