Our Story

History of Black Pool Mill

Black Pool Mill sits proudly among the trees and trails of the ancient Minwear Wood, alongside the flowing waters of the Cleddau River, streaming down from the Preseli Hills. Today, Black Pool Mill is a unique dining destination with delicious food and an unforgettable atmosphere. The history of the mill and the area in which it sits are rich and storied, stretching back hundreds of years.

11th Century

The land on which Black Pool Mill sits was once part of the Slebech Estate, which in the 11^th Century was gifted to the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St John.

1546

Following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, Slebech Estate was sold by the Crown to Thomas & Roger Barlow — wealthy Tudor magnates.

1635

First evidence of iron smelting on the site.

1636

Letters patent granted for the erection of two forges and a furnace.

1813

The mill's owner's eldest son, Nathanial Phillips, replaces the iron forge with the existing mill - a large grist mill constructed mainly from limestone.

1833

The mill was insured to include a corn mill and grinding stones, a water wheel, storehouses, stables and pigsties (adjoining but detached); dwelling houses and offices nearby.

1843

Floodgates destroyed by the Rebecca Riots, in protest against the economic and social conditions of the time.

1861

Black Pool Mill is part of a small parish called Newton with a population of only 56 people; four of whom lived in Black Pool Mill: miller Thomas Pollett and his family.

1901

The mill equipment is replaced. The wheel was scrapped in place of a turbine.

1915

Following further upgrades to the equipment, it was claimed that Black Pool was the only mill for miles around capable of grinding wheat and making flour.

1942

Sieves were removed by the order of the government, preventing the illegal production of flour. The mill started to be used more for storage rather than grinding. 

1954

With the introduction of electricity, the old machinery became redundant and instead, the building was used mainly for storage by local farmers.