Milford Haven - Places of Worship

Places of Worship

Milford Haven identifies itself as almost exclusively Christian. The earliest known religious building in the area was the Benedictine priory, known as Pill Priory, which was dissolved during Henry VIII's reign. Other early buildings included the Catholic St. Thomas a Becket chapel, a later 'beacon church', built around the 12th century which fell into disrepair but was reconsecrated in the 20th century.

The first religious building raised after Milford Haven was founded was St. Katharine and St. Peter, an Anglican church, it is considered to be the town's parish church due to its central position within the town and the fact that it was built by Charles Francis Greville the founder of Milford Haven. Other Anglican buildings include St. David's in Hubberston, St. Mary's (1927) and the Church of the Holy Spirit (1971) in Hakin and St. Peter and St. Cewydd in Steynton. St. David's is a Norman church and is believed to be the oldest building in Milford to be in regular use. St. Mary's was built in 1927 largely by funds from the local residents of Hakin.

In 2000, the church of St. Claires in Hakin closed, leaving one Roman Catholic church in Milford Haven, St. Francis of Assisi on Priory Road. Baptists congregate at North Road Baptist Church which is one of the older religious buildings of the community, built in 1878. Near the waterfront in Milford Haven is the Quakers Friends Meeting House, built in 1811 by the original Quaker whalers who were central to the early growth of the town. Quakers travel from distances around Pembroke to worship at the Friends House. Members of United Reformed Church worship at Priory Road Methodist Church (1902), Hakin Point, and the URC Tabernacle.