The dedication to St Elidyr may be a mistake: Henry Owen, in his book Old Pembrokeshire Families, said: "Elidor de Stackpole founded the Church of Stackpole Elidor or Cheriton, and like other founders was afterwards to be the patron saint."

[2] Another theory is that Eliud was an alternative name for St Teilo, to whom a number of churches are dedicated.

Richard Fenton, in his Historical Tour through Pembrokeshire published in 1810, quotes from a letter written by Stephen Davies, Canon of St. Davids Cathedral, to the antiquary Browne Willis: Here I cannot forbear mentioning the generous beneficence of that worthy gentleman, John Campbell Esquire, to the parishes of St. Petrook, Cheriton or Stackpool Elidur and Bosherston on his first coming to the possession of his estate, being about the age of twenty.

He waiscotted the three chancels, and otherwise adorned them in a very decent and handsome manner, made new rails about the altar, bestowed new cushions and pulpit cloths and a new set of Communion plate to eachThe building was maintained for a few years, but by 1828 the fabric, though sound, was very damp; by 1848 it was recorded that "not one casement opens" and it was clear that major restoration work was needed.

In 1851 John Frederick Campbell, 1st Earl Cawdor, engaged Sir George Gilbert Scott, the most respected English church architect of the day, to oversee the restoration.

Scott employed a Cardiff builder, W. P. James, and the work cost a total of £1,804 which, adjusted for 2010, would be £105,609.

The resultant chancel arch was tall and narrow; the chancel floor and sanctuary walls decorated with colourful Minton tiles; the tracery of the main windows in Middle English style.

Scott retained the transept and chapel vaultings, but the nave and porch were rebuilt.