Church of Saint Ismael

The Church of Saint Ismael is the Grade II listed parish church of Uzmaston, a village in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales, right beside Haverfordwest. It stands in a prominent position between the estuary of the Cleddau Wen and the village itself, so it is easy to spot from surrounding lanes and paths.

Where is the Church of Saint Ismael?

The church is in Uzmaston, a small settlement near Haverfordwest, the main town of central Pembrokeshire. Its coordinates are roughly 51.791 N, 4.946 W. The surroundings are quiet farmland beside the Cleddau waterways, the network of tidal rivers that runs through the county.

Who was Saint Ismael?

The dedication is to Ismael, a 6th-century Welsh bishop linked with the Rhos area of Pembrokeshire. His name also appears in Welsh as Isfael. Dedications to early Christian saints are common in Wales and often signal that a place of worship has very old roots.

What is the building like, and what is its history?

The present church is the product of a long sequence of changes. The medieval stone church had a Gothic character, and a tower was added late in the Middle Ages or in the early modern period. The tower is among the oldest surviving parts and gives the building its distinctive profile.

A thorough Victorian rebuild began in 1870. Over several years the eastern parts of the chancel walls, the nave and the south transept were pulled down and rebuilt on the old foundations. The first architect died during the project and E. H. Lingen Barker completed it. Surviving from the earlier church are the tower, a section of the east walls of the north aisle, a hagioscope (a squint) linking the tower and chancel, three 15th-century windows, a few corbels, and a Norman font with a stoup.

Further conservation work followed in 1991-92 and in 1999. The building is well kept and still serves its community.

What is worth seeing?

• the tower, the oldest element of the church,
• the Norman font, which predates the Victorian rebuild,
• the 15th-century windows,
• the views of the village and the Cleddau Wen estuary from around the church.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Church of Saint Ismael a listed building? Yes, it is listed Grade II.

Who is the church dedicated to? Saint Ismael, a 6th-century Welsh bishop associated with Rhos.

Is the church old? Yes. The tower and some details are medieval, and the Norman font is older still. Most of the walls date from the Victorian rebuild after 1870.

How do I get there? Uzmaston lies next to Haverfordwest, so the easiest way is by car or bike from the town. Check opening arrangements first, as small parish churches often have limited visiting hours.

Is there an entry fee? Parish churches in Wales are usually free to enter, with voluntary donations welcome.

The Church of Saint Ismael is a good stop for anyone interested in Welsh church architecture, the history of Pembrokeshire, and quiet places away from the main tourist routes.