THE KNIGHTS HOSPITALLERS
IN LINCOLNSHIRE
The Knights Hospitallers in Lincolnshire
Following the dissolution of the Knights Templar in the early 14th century, the Knights Hospitallers inherited a vast network of Templar lands and estates across Lincolnshire. This transfer marked a significant expansion of Hospitaller influence in the region, as Lincolnshire had become one of the most important strongholds of Templar activity in England.
By 1190, the Knights Templar had amassed nearly 10,000 acres across the county. The expansive Lincolnshire heathlands were ideally suited to both sheep grazing—which fuelled the highly lucrative medieval wool trade—and to the rigorous training of knights and horses preparing for campaigns in the Holy Land.
The Templars established four major preceptories in the region:
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Temple Bruer
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Willoughton – the largest Templar preceptory ever built in England
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South Witham
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Aslackby
In addition, they held manorial estates such as Eagle and Mere, which supported their agricultural and military operations.
After the Templar order was suppressed, these extensive estates and preceptories were passed to the Knights Hospitallers, who already had a presence in Lincolnshire with their own commanderies at Maltby-le-Marsh and Skirbeck. The Hospitallers continued to manage these lands, maintaining the legacy of military-religious service while adapting to the shifting political and economic landscape of medieval England.
TEMPLE BRUER -
The commandery at Temple Bruer was originally founded late in the reign of King Stephen, following a land donation from William of Ashby, who later joined the Order himself. Initially established by the Knights Templar, the site grew into one of the most significant Templar commanderies in England, both strategically and spiritually.
Following the dissolution of the Templars in the early 14th century, the commandery was passed to the Knights Hospitaller, who continued to administer and utilise the estate. At its height, Temple Bruer commanded over 1,000 acres of land—supporting agriculture, military training, and the religious life of the Order.
Today, the most striking survivor of this once-grand site is the tower of the round church, which stands prominently on the Lincolnshire heath. Archaeological investigations to the north of the tower have uncovered the foundations of a matching twin tower, and evidence of the original round nave has been discovered where the modern car park now sits.
Stepping inside the surviving tower, visitors are transported back in time. Much of the interior remains remarkably unaltered, preserving the solemn atmosphere once known to both Templars and Hospitallers alike.
A particularly moving feature is the stone effigy of a knight or priest, believed to be a member of the Order, which was uncovered near the site of the former nave. It now resides within the tower, offering a poignant reminder of the men who lived, worshipped, and served here centuries ago.
Temple Bruer remains one of the most evocative and historically rich Templar—and later Hospitaller—sites in England, bearing witness to the legacy of two of the medieval world’s most powerful military-religious orders.
The South Tower Still Standing
The Chapel inside the Tower Facing the Alter
The Knights Effigy at Temple Bruer
The Knights Seating
WILLOUGHTON
SOUTH WITHAM -
Just north of the village of South Witham, in a quiet field known as Temple Hill, lies the site of one of England’s most intriguing Templar preceptories. Though nothing remains above ground today, this location holds a rare distinction — it is the only known Templar site in the country to have been fully excavated.
Founded before 1164, the South Witham Preceptory began as a modest commandery with around 240 acres of land. Despite its small size, the site has offered historians and archaeologists unparalleled insight into how a Templar preceptory developed over time.
A Preceptory in Three Phases
Excavations carried out between 1965 and 1967 revealed that the site evolved in three distinct building phases:
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The Early Foundation
The first phase included a simple farmstead granted to the Templars, featuring a small aisled hall, two auxiliary buildings, and a watermill on the River Witham. -
Expansion and Prestige
In the next stage, the original buildings were replaced by three large barns, similar in style to those found at Cressing Temple, as well as a gatehouse, guesthouse, chapel, and domestic quarters. This transformation reflects the Templars' growing wealth and strategic importance in the region. -
Final Developments
In the final phase, the original watermill — likely no longer functional — was replaced by a windmill, and the early hall was substituted with a larger, more elaborate hall. Additional features such as fishponds and kilns for smelting iron and lead were also discovered, highlighting the site's self-sufficiency and industrial capacity.
Decline and Merger
By the time the Knights Hospitaller took over following the Templars’ dissolution in 1312, the buildings were reportedly in disrepair and likely uninhabitable. Eventually, the preceptory was merged with nearby Temple Bruer in the 14th century.
Both the Templars and Hospitallers also held the advowson (the right to appoint the parish priest) of the nearby 12th-century Church of St John the Baptist.
Unearthed Legacy
Among the most remarkable finds during the 1960s excavation was a lidless stone coffin, discovered in what would have been the chapel. Separately, a carved coffin lid — once repurposed as a footbridge over the River Witham — was recovered and matched to the tomb. Both now reside in the church.
The grave slab is particularly unique: it features a floriated cross, a style often linked to Templar graves. What sets it apart is the striking image of a long-haired male figure, carved as if emerging from or sitting upon the cross, as though it were part of his body — a powerful and mysterious symbol, echoing the spiritual and martial legacy of the Templars.
ASLACKBY
MERE -
ASBHY-DE-LA-LAUNDE
EAGLE -
The village of Eagle, near Lincoln, was once home to a significant commandery of the Knights Templar, established through a royal gift of over 900 acres of land from King Stephen. The site served a vital function within the Templar network—not only as a center for agricultural management but also as an infirmary, offering care and rest for members of the Order, much like the facilities at Denny Abbey.
Following the suppression of the Knights Templar in 1312, the estate at Eagle was transferred to the Knights Hospitaller, who went on to develop it into one of their wealthiest commanderies in the region. The Hospitallers continued the site's tradition of care and religious service, while also managing its highly productive lands.
Today, little remains of the original commandery buildings, as the area is now occupied by modern-day Eagle Hall. However, traces of the past still linger in the landscape—earthworks and medieval ponds mark the layout of what once was a thriving monastic-military estate.
In addition to the commandery itself, the Knights Hospitallers held the advowson (the right to appoint clergy) of the nearby Church of All Saints, further extending their religious and administrative influence in the area.
Though the physical structures may have faded, the legacy of the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller at Eagle endures in the land, the records, and the enduring memory of this once-prominent Lincolnshire commandery.
EAGLE HALL ON THE SITE OF THE FORMER PRECEPTORY
THE ORIGINAL POND AT THE FRONT OF THE PRECEPTORY
THE POND AT THE REAR OF THE PRECEPTORY
THE EARTHWORKS OF THE FORMER PRECEPTORY
MALTBY-LE-MARSH
ALTHORPE
BOTOLPH GREEN (St Botolphs Bridge / Botilbrigg)
BOTTESFORD
CAYTHORPE
DONINGTON
GREAT LIMBER - Limber (a member estate).
There is there one ruined messuage (dwelling house) with a dovecote and garden, worth per year 11 shillings 8 pence.
And 300 acres of land, the price of each acre 4 pence — total 100 shillings.
And 10 acres of salt meadow, in the meadows of Stallingborough, worth 6 shillings 8 pence.
And 3 acres of fresh meadow, worth 6 shillings.
And one windmill, worth 20 shillings.
And from assized rent (fixed tenants’ rents) £10 3s. 1½d.
And 2 pounds of pepper from rent, worth 2 shillings 2 pence
HORKSTOW
ROWSTON
SKIRBECK - Hospital of St Leonard
KETSBY
UPTON
CAWKWELL
Thorpe-In-The-Fallows - St Peters Church
GAINSBOROUGH. - All Saints Church
GOULCEBY - All Saints Church
SAXBY - Member
TEMPLE BELWOOD - Member
RAUCEBY - St Peters Church
NORTH KIRKBY - Manor (St Denys Church)
LOBTHORP -
MARNHAM - St Wilifreds church
FLAWFORD (FFAUFLOUR)
STRETTON - Church of St Nicholas
