Templar Sites

ABOUT THE SITE

Dennis Garner writes:

Neither the Preceptory at Westerdale nor any of its associated buildings are still standing at Westerdale though traces can still be found if looked for. A pamphlet found in the present Church written by local historian Dr Bob Robinson indicates that the Preceptory probably stood at the location of the present Town farm. The original Church at Westerdale was undoubtable built by or under the guidence of the Templars as many items of typically Templar stonework have been found on the site, some reused in the modern Church of 1838, there is also a large stone cross set into the wall of the village hall.

There is an ancient gravestone in the churchyard depicting a skull and crossed bones design, and in the porch a number of grave slabs of possible Templar origin, one in particular has a crude sword with bow and arrow carving similar to ones at other Templar sites.

There is a modern processional staff within the Church depicting a Templar cross and the Temple of Jerusalem; the church is well worth a visit.

Just outside the village is a remarkable medieval style bridge that is possibly Templar it is of the typical though much ornamented pack horse style. It is tucked away from the road a little way just past the ford and its only destination these days is a farmers field, it was restored in the mid 19c. Another site well worth a look.

• Westerdale on www.thecyberfarm.com for further info and pictures

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