Templar Sites

ABOUT THE SITE

The date of the founding of Bisham preceptory is unknown, but the manor was the subject of various Charters of King Stephen and Henry II, circa 1154-55. Three chaplains were maintained in this preceptory; many activities such as churning butter, baking bread, curing bacon by salting, fishing, and tending of livestock were carried out in this rural area. (1)

There are some remains left of the Preceptory, which was partially rebuilt in 1337 to become a priory of Austin Canons. Mr. George Tull states: "The visible remains are the original entrance porch with Purbeck marble shafts, plain and noble in its dignity, the door leading into the great timber-roofed Hall, measuring approximately 52 feet by 33 feet. Behind the hall gallery is the solar. To the west of the porch are arches leading to the old kitchen, dairy, cellar and a 'lyttle wood yard'." (2)

Bisham was also spelled as 'Bistleham' in earlier times.

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1. Tull, George, Traces of the Templars, p76
2. ibid