Monastic Wales.








Event detail for site: Slebech

c. 1538: Dissolution

By 1538 the Barlow family was renting Slebech which was bought by Roger Barlow and Thomas Barlow in 1546.

The men also acquired the sites and lands of the priories of Pill and Haverfordwest. In the late eighteenth century the estate was sold to William Knox of Soho Square, London, who in 1792 sold it to Nathaniel Phillips of Gloucester Place, London. Mary Dorothea Phillips, who eventually co-inherited the estate, married baron de Rutzen in 1822. Slebech remained in the de Rutzen family until 1944 when John, baron de Rutzen, was killed in the Second World War.


Bibliographical sources

Printed sources

Charles, B. G., 'The records of Slebech', National Library of Wales Journal, 5 (1947-8), pp. 179-188

Nicholson, Helen J., 'The Knights Hospitaller', in Monastic Wales: New Approaches, ed. Janet Burton and Karen Stöber (University of Wales: Cardiff, 2013) p. 146

Archival sources

National Library of Wales, 'Slebech Estate Records', (Collection), (View website)

Other events in the history of this site

1148-1176: Foundation - The land at Slebech was donated to the Knights Hospitaller at some time between 1148 and 1176 and became a commandery.This duly became the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller in West Wales. 
1155-1230: Dispute - A dispute between Worcester Cathedral and the Knights Hospitaller at Slebech over various possessions was resolved by Bishop Anselm in 1230, who confirmed the Hospitallers' rights to these lands and possessions in West Wales. 
pre 1176: Confirmation - The bishop David of St Davids (1147-76) intervened and issued a confirmation of those properties and lands belonging to the Knights at Slebech. 
1230: Confirmation - Bishop Anselm issued a confirmation of the land in the Knights' possession. [1 sources]
1312: Acquisition - Slebach acquired land from the Knights Templar at Templeton when that community disbanded. 
1338: Pilgrimage - Slebech hosted a number of pilgrims and in 1338 the preceptor complained that Welshmen flocked to the abbey from one day to another, placing a great strain on the commandery's resources. [4 sources]
1338: Wealth - In 1338 Slebech had the largest income of all Hospitaller houses in England and Wales, bar Clerkenwell, near London. [1 sources]
c.1420-81: Pilgrimage - The poet, Lewys Glyn Cothi, described the crowds that flocked to the altar of St John, Slebech, hoping for healing and forgiveness. [2 sources]
c.1538: Dissolution - By 1538 the Barlow family was renting Slebech which was bought by Roger Barlow and Thomas Barlow in 1546. [2 sources][1 archives]
 
Graphic.