There is a fort on top of the island which was built between 1867 and 1875 on the orders of Lord Palmerston to defend Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock from possible attack by the French. The island was sold by the government in 1907 and then again soon after to the Windsor-Richards family, who turned the fort into a summer house.
In 1940 it was sold again and was unoccupied until it was sold in 1962 to a Tenby businessman. The fort was a zoo from 1968-79. The current owner is in dispute with the local council about how it should be developed, hence the current lack of public access. I look forward to the time when it is possible to fully explore the fort.
St Catherine's Island
St Catherine's Island showing one of 3 short tunnels that run through the width of the island.
The tide isn't quite out far enough
St Catherine's Island from Castle Hill
Fort on St Catherine's Island from the Caldey Ferry
Fort on St Catherine's Island from the Caldey Ferry
This is currently as far as you can go
www.tenbyisland.co.uk
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