THE TEMPLARS

IN WORCESTERSHIRE

The Knights Templars had a notable presence in Worcestershire during the medieval period, as they did in many parts of England. Their wealth and status often meant they played a role in local politicsand also economic, as well as providing some level of security or acted as landlords for the areas they controlled. The Templars role in the area, would have been that of controlling land and agriculture to collect funds for the crusades. The Templars were major land owners and would have managed agricultural estates within the area,

The Manor in Worcester may have been controlled by the Preceptory of Balsall, as it were when the Hospitallers took over the states from the Templars after the surpression.

The following lands are understand to have been in control of by the Templars, with manors in the following area's

TEMPLE LAUGHERNE - The Knights Templar are known to have owned the estate from 1249, and it remained in their possession until 1311 when it was granted to the Knights Hospitaller. It is most likely to have been the manor for arribal and farming in Mercia, The chapel could have been constructed to display the patronage of the new owners. Other such small chapels are known, particularly in Warwickshire, Recent Archeological digs at the site, report four possible built structures including a larger strucutre which was a possible chapel, lying traditional east to west, and potential lodgings for the order, and layman, although very little information or details about the manor remain, and the site has now been built on by a local housing estate,. Head over to our blog site to learn more about Temple Laugherne here
FLAVEL - (Hunt End)
TEMPLE BROUGHTON (Hanbury) - Nestled within the parish of Hanbury, Temple Broughton stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Knights Templar in Worcestershire. Historical records indicate that the Templars acquired this estate as early as 1220–1, courtesy of a grant from Sir Hugh Pantulf. The very name "Temple Broughton" reflects this heritage, with "Brocton Templar" documented in 1271 and "Temple Broughton" appearing by 1705. There is evidence that this manor was on the site of Mere Manor house which sits there today, this is recorded from the manor being sold after the dissolution in recent times to a Colonel Edward Bearcroft, who lived and died at the property. The Manor also has a Wooden Beam on the property which has the date 1337 appear on it - and whilst the house dates from the 17th Century, this is beleive ed to refer to the Knights Tempalr/Hospitaller time at the manor.

The Final Clue to the Templars Presence in Broughtin is an ancient oak tree at Harmans Hill called the Temple Oak, reportedly named after the Templars who planted the tree there.

The Temple Oak Nr Harmans Hill Broughton - Possibly a boundary marker for the Templars Presence at Temple Broughton

TEMPLE ARDLEY - (Feckenham Village)

At Temple Ardley, the Knights Templar are recorded as having established a "fair court"—a term suggesting a place of local justice or administrative control. Curiously, they also constructed an enormous ditch nearby, measuring an impressive 100 feet in length, 20 feet wide, and 12 feet deep.

While the exact function of this vast trench remains unclear, its existence invites speculation. In medieval times, special forest courts were held to deal with offenses such as illegal hunting or the unauthorized felling of trees. During the tenure of Brother Geoffrey, the king’s almoner, the matter of the Templars’ involvement in woodland damage was flagged for "further discussion"—a phrase that hints at controversy or unresolved legal disputes.

Whether the ditch was a defensive structure, a boundary marker, or served some other purpose tied to these legal issues, its presence adds a layer of intrigue to the Templars' activities at Temple Ardley.

Today the Site exists as a recreation Ground / Football Pitch for the local Village, with the moat existing running around the perimeter