A celebration will take place next month to mark the reopening of an historic church on the outskirts of Tenby.

St Lawrence's in Gumfreston is tucked down a tiny track. Cloistered by trees, the churchyard is carpeted in spring with tiny stars of lesser celandine, while the three holy wells gurgle all year round.

With its enormous tapering tower, vaulted porch and intriguing interior, St Lawrence's has drawn people to its door for centuries.

The repairs here have taken years.

“Before we intervened, the church was in dreadful condition,” said a spokesperson for The Friends of Friendless Churches project team, who have worked tirelessly on the building’s long road to recovery to make it look resplendent again.

“St Lawrence’s was designated ‘at-risk’ in 2021. After carrying out emergency holding repairs in 2022, funded in part by a grant from Cadw’s maintenance and minor repairs funding scheme, we were delighted to receive a grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund in 2023 that enabled us to take St Lawrence’s into our care.

“The work has not always been easy - not least because the church was saturated with moisture and is taking a long time to dry out.

“On top of this, we have made several unexpected discoveries along the way.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has worked on this project, everyone who has supported the work and to our neighbours and volunteers in Gumfreston who have been exceedingly patient.”

The church sits in a wooded valley overlooking the river Ritec (Rhydeg). Now a trickle, the river was tidal until the early 19th century, which gave Gumfreston a critical role in Tenby’s prosperous medieval mercantile economy; goods traded with Europe and even Newfoundland could be securely stored here, safe from raids by pirates.

Inside, St Lawrence’s is surprisingly cavernous. The building is rich with architectural interest with many enigmatic and curious features, from possible tomb recesses to blocked squints.

The belfry houses the pre-Reformation bell, cast in about 1350, and possibly the oldest in the county. And below the ringing chamber, the tower walls house openings for doves.

In the 1980s, a rare 15th-century wall painting was discovered in the nave. This fragile survivor depicts either St Lawrence or Christ of the Trades, both rare images in medieval Welsh wall painting. Excitingly, more paintings have emerged from beneath water-damaged paint during the restoration.

The project has been completed with the help of Cadw; the National Heritage Memorial Fund; and the Pilgrim Trust.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the funders and donors who have made this project possible,” continued the spokesperson.

“Since October 2023, a range of heritage specialists have been working tirelessly to secure St Lawrence's future.

“We really cannot wait for you to see the repaired church, to hear about the discoveries we've made and to celebrate this project and everyone involved in it,” they added.

Due to the capacity of the church, an event to celebrate the reopening of St Lawrence's to be held on June 18 is by invitation only.