THE KNIGHTS HOSPITALLERS
IN WORCESTERSHIRE
ELDERSFIELD
HANBURY - Temple Laugherne
Temple Laugherne - Little is known about the Knights Templar’s presence at Temple Laugherne in Worcester. However, the “Temple” prefix in its name strongly suggests that the Templars once had a foothold here
Today, the site of Temple Laugherne has been replaced by a modern housing estate. However, an archaeological excavation carried out in September 2021 by Worcester Archaeology for Orion Heritage provided new insights into the Knights Templar’s presence in the area.
According to the findings, records from the Chartulary of Worcester Priory reveal that a manor in Laugherne was returned to the cathedral monks by Bishop Simon between 1125 and 1151. However, since both manors listed in the Domesday Book were still held at that time by William de Beauchamp, this was likely a fresh grant from the bishop’s demesne.
Historical records indicate that this property was later granted to William, son of Miles de Laugherne, before 1236, at a yearly rent of half a mark (6 shillings and 8 pence). His successor, another Miles, sold the manor in 1249 to the Master and brethren of the Knights Templar for £100. The precise location of Temple Laugherne Manor remains unknown, but it is generally believed to have been situated west of the site. Given this, it is likely that the modern site was once part of the medieval manor.
Despite disputed ownership in the late 13th century, the Templars retained possession of the land until their suppression in 1311, after which it was granted to the Knights Hospitaller. The Hospitallers held it until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, when it was sold in 1544 to Rich Goodyere and Will Gower.
Temple Broughton -
Temple Broughton Lay in Broughton, Hanbury, another significant Templar stronghold which was once a forest village within Feckenham Forest. Within its parish lies Temple Broughton, which the Templars acquired as early as 1220–1221, thanks to a grant from Sir Hugh Pantulf.
Historically evidence shows that the Templars original Manor at Temple Broughton was passed down to Colonel Edward Bearcroft who died at the property, which is now called Mere Hall. The estate, originally known as Mere Green Hall, is reputed to have belonged to the Bearcrofts since the 14th century, and a much later bressumer on the current entrance front has the carved date 1337, which may be intended to refer to their acquisition of the property. By the late 17th century, this family (whose name was spelled in many different ways, including Barecroft, Barcroft, Berecroft and Bearecroft) were claiming to have been of gentry status from the late 14th century onwards. There seems little doubt that they owned a freehold estate in Hanbury parish in the late middle ages, but it did not have the status of a manor and may originally have been quite small, the original Temple Broughton
Present Day Mere Hall - Site of Temple Broughton Knights Templar
Further evidence of their influence in the area can be found in the naming of the ancient Temple Oak, a mighty tree near Harmans Hill, believed to be over 700 years old. This tree’s name serves as a lasting testament to the Templar presence.
The 800 Year Old Templar Oak nr Hangmans Hill Broughton - Possibly a boundary marker for the edge of the Templars Manor at Temple Broughton
WORCESTER COMMANDERY -
Tucked just beyond the lively streets of modern-day Worcester lies a place steeped in centuries of history: Sidbury. At its heart stands the Commandery, a remarkable building that has witnessed nearly a thousand years of change.
Originally founded in 1085 by the Knights Hospitaller, the Commandery began life as a medieval monastic hospital. It offered shelter and hospitality to weary pilgrims and provided care and comfort to the sick. Overseen by a master, supported by chaplains and lay brothers, this hospital was one of many established by the Knights Hospitaller across Europe and beyond
Read More about the Commandery & The Knights Hospitallers on our blog site by clicking here
KNIGHT HOSPITALLER FIGURES AT WORCESTERSHIRE
Worcestershire & the Hospitallers: Learn Who Shared Their Chapter of History Here
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Walter de Wredens - Master Commandery Worcester