Templar Sites

ABOUT THE SITE

Rothley Temple stood between Leicester and Loughborough. The Templars already had land at Rothley in 1203; other lands in the vicinity were also given to them later.

It is believed that the Preceptory was established about 1231, "the year in which Henry III granted the manor and advowson of Rothley church to the Templars in free alms. Later on the preceptory came to include lands in thirteen neighbouring areas, several mills, large pastures for sheep grazing and five dependent chapels." (1)

Today, the site of the original preceptory is occupied by a hotel. George Tull says that there is basically nothing left from medieval times today, "apart from the chapel (circa 1240) which remains intact. Architecturally this is impressive in its simplicity. It has been carefully restored and is used occasionally for weddings and other special events." (2)

After 1231, Rothley Temple became a major centre of Templar activity, with estates from Ashby Folville to Wymondham in Norfolk. In 1285 Edward I gave the Templars the right to hold a weekly market in the village of Rothely, and an annual fair on the eve, the feast day, and the morrow of St. Barnabas (11th June). The 13th c. Templar Chapel at Rothley is certainly well worth a visit today.

• Rothley Court Hotel (though it does not mention the chapel!)

1. Tull, George, Traces of the Templars, p109
2. ibid