Many old and interesting buildings have been lost to Pembroke over the years and it is good to hear stories of people who care enough to restore and preserve them. Such a building is the Mediaeval Chapel restored a few years ago by Thalia and Ian Campbell.

Situated at the back of the Main Street, it is something of a 'hidden treasure', but it can be viewed from The Commons. Although its origins are uncertain, it is one of the oldest stone buildings in Pembroke and is depicted on the John Speed map of 1611.

I met Thalia at the old chapel last week and she told me: "When we bought it, the top floors had been converted into a flat, but the downstairs chapel was semi-derelict, windows breeze blocked in, no doors, open to the weather". It certainly was a huge undertaking, quite a project for a retired couple, so I asked what attracted her to buying it.

"When I was a child growing up in Devon," she replied, "my favourite walk was through Chapel Woods, the highlight being the old chapel on the edge of a cliff overlooking Torquay. It was deserted, open to the world - rather like St. Govans. I loved it and thought how lovely it would be to own it."

About eight years ago, Thalia retired back to Pembroke with her husband Ian, whose family had owned Campbells Garage in the Main Street.

When they saw the Mediaeval Chapel at the back of 'The York' looking forlorn and neglected, they decided to buy and restore it.

"It really was a labour of love," she added, "using traditional materials, lime mortar with oak window frames and doors."

This is after all a very important building with a history, originally built as a fortified tower.

Cromwell was reputed to have stayed at 'The York' during the siege of Pembroke - at this time this building was part of 'The York' and, because it was the most secure part, conjecture has it that he actually stayed in the chapel.

It was here, too, that John Wesley preached. In his journal, dated September 1, 1767, Wesley wrote: "I rode into Pembroke and on this and the next evening preached in the Main Street to far more than the house could have contained." 

The house referred to was the Mediaeval Chapel. The Wesleyans were later to establish a chapel at Pembroke's East End.

In 1866, the chapel was converted into a brewery for the York Tavern. As you can see from the photograph, the mash tun is still there. Such a lot of history within these walls!