THE KNIGHTS OF LAZARUS
IN YORKSHIRE
The Knights of Saint Lazarus, a medieval military order dedicated to caring for lepers and supporting the Christian faith, did have a presence in Yorkshire. While not as extensive as the Knights Templar or Hospitallers, at least one preceptory (a monastery or house of the order) is known to have existed in the region.
CASTLEFORD - All Saints Church
The Church of Castleford in Yorkshire has historical ties to the Order of St Lazarus, a medieval hospitaller order known as the Leper Knights. Excavations near the church have revealed structural remains likely belonging to its 12th‑century precursor, a site granted to the Hospital of St Lazarus of Jerusalem by Henry de Lacy. These findings highlight the enduring presence of the Order in Yorkshire and the church’s medieval origins.
Today the Modern Church sits on the existing site of the Order of St Lazarus Church.
The medieval church associated with Castleford is known in surviving sources as All Saints. The parish of Castleford was recorded under that dedication in documents dating back to the late 12th century, around the time when Henry de Lacy confirmed a grant of the church site to the Hospital of St Lazarus of Jerusalem.
This suggests the medieval church was the church of All Saints, even while connected with the Order. There is no separate surviving medieval name recorded that refers explicitly to a different dedication solely under St Lazarus for Castleford’s church in the contemporary sources available.
Pontefract
Foulsnape - Hospital
THIRSK CASTLE - Mills
RIPON - St Mary Magdalene Church (& Hospital)
