The origin of the word Slebech is thought to be Viking meaning "stony beach". It
is very probable that the Vikings sailed inland as far as Slebech and its commanding
position over the waterway with the small harbour would be a natural place of refuge.
The oldest building still standing at Slebech Park today is the tower of the ruined
church which is thought to date from the 12th Century. This was possibly a watch
tower strategically positioned on the bend in the estuary as a forward garrison
of the castles further inland at Picton and Llawhaden. It is similar to other structures
of the same period that are to be found in Western Europe, notably in Portugal and
was one of a number of fortified structures on the waterway or the coast of Pembrokeshire
built by the Normans when they annexed the south of the county.
Slebech holds an important position in the history of Wales. During the 13th and
14th centuries it was home to the most powerful monastic foundation in Wales. It
was a hospice of the Knights of St John and as such was a resting place for pilgrims
en route to St Davids and a gathering point for the crusades. The only remaining
structure associated with these times is the ruined 13th century Church in the grounds
with the Norman watch tower as its bell tower.
After the reformation the Church became the Parish Church until 1848 when the roof
was removed and it was replaced by a new Victorian Church which is also derelict
today. The association with the Knights of St John has remained and today the original
ruined church and its church yard still belongs to the order of St John (St John
Ambulance).
As a result of the hospice, Slebech became an important crossing point of the waterway
and unusually had lands both sides of the estuary. The Park was not created until
1760 when Slebech Hall was built on the site of the old commandery of St John.
Slebech Hall remains today very much as it was built in 1760 except that it's crenulations
have been removed. It is one of the few Georgian Houses remaining in Wales today.
The majority of the Coach House was built about the same time as Slebech Hall.