THE HAVENS COMMUNITY
Harold Stone, Broad Haven
SM 861 147 Situated in the back garden of St. Catherine's bungalow overlooking St Bride's Bay, this 5ft 6ins high stone is said to be all that remains of a stone circle. Other maenhirs are to be seen embedded in the hedge near Upper Lodge (SM 861 143), further down the hill towards Broad Haven. These also were said to have been part of a circle. There is no record of two circles having stood in the vicinity, so either the Upper Lodge stones were dragged from the same ring which contained the Harold Stone and were used to build a hedge, or the Harold Stone stood outside, but was associated with, the circle.
"HARROLDSTON (WEST), a parish in the hundred of RHÔS, county of PEMBROKE, SOUTH WALES, 51/2 miles (W.) from Haverfordwest, containing 155 inhabitants. This place, distinguished by its adjunct from Harroldston East, or St. Issels, derives its name from an ancient Anglo-Norman proprietor, who, as well as his successors, was lord paramount over several manors in this part of the principality: the residence of these lords was at this place, which, from the foundations of ancient buildings still remaining, appears to have been formerly of much greater extent than at present.
The parish is finely situated on the eastern shore of St. Bride's bay, in St. George's channel and comprises a considerable tract of arable and pasture land, which is enclosed and in a good state of cultivation. The surrounding scenery is richly diversified, and the views from the higher grounds embrace extensive prospects over the channel and the adjacent country, which abounds with picturesque beauty.
The parish rates are collected by the ploughland. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the archdeaconry and diocese of St.David's, endowed with £400 royal bounty, and in the patronageof the Master and Fellows of Pembroke College, Oxford. The church, dedicated to St. Madoc, is not distinguished by any architectural details of importance. The average annual expenditure for the support of the poor is £47.18.
[From A Topographical Dictionary of Wales (S. Lewis, 1833).]
St. Madoc's Church is situated approximately one mile north of Broad Haven on the Coastal road, in the hamlet of Haroldston West, built in a hollow very near to a road junction. The original Church dates back well over 1400 years! And is reputed to have been in constant use, but it is a very small church with a very small congregation. Although in urgent need of renovation, the Church is used regularly today and attracts numerous visitors every year throughout the year. Plans are in hand for substantial repair and renovation provided grants that have been applied for are realised.