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ABOUT THE
SITE |
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Garway was an important Preceptory on the
River Monnow, the Welsh border, to the south of Hereford. It was founded circa
1186 or earlier, but the exact date is not known for certain. Church House Farm
is on the Preceptory site. Mr. George Tull, in his book 'Traces of the
Templars' says about Garway:
"There have been two Templar churches here.
Evidence for a round church has been discovered and a segment of the foundation
was exposed in 1927 and can be seen abutting on the north side of the later
nave (outside). This circular plan was abandoned in the late 13th century, when
the present rectangular church of St. Michael was built. The whole scene is
dominated by an unusually massive tower originally detached, 33 feet square
with narrow windows, standing at an oblique angle to the north-west of the
church, which it pre-dates. Judging by the thickness of its walls, this plain
impregnable tower must have been constructed for defensive purposes and as a
refuge during border raids. Between the nave and chancel of the present church
is an arch enriched by transverse mouldings suggestive of Moorish or Saracen
influence." (1) |
| Please also
see: |
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| References: |
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- Tull, George, Traces of
the Templars, p89-90
- ibid
- ibid
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| Key Historical
Figures Associated |
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St. Thomas de
Cantilupe (1218-82), Bishop of Hereford, is reputed to have sometime
held high office in the Order (2). St. Thomas' shrine of 1287 is in the north
transept of the cathedral, and on three sides of the pedestal, can be seen 14
carved figures of men in armour, but it is not possible to say for certain
whether or not they are Knights Templar. But, as Tull observes, "there must
surely have been some reason why the Holy Bishop's tomb was guarded by Knights,
rather than saints, angels, or mourners." (3) |
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Closely Associated Sites |
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St. Mary's church, Welsh
Newton, not many miles from Garway;
Bosbury, or
Upleadon, on the River Leadon, north of Ledbury. A small house for a
Preceptor and his staff; the moat at Temple Court belonged to the Templars.
Bosbury Church has a massive detached tower, 29 feet square and lit only by
lancet windows.
What became known as St. Giles' Hospital
in Hereford (founded in 1290 for use of the Greyfriars) was soon to
also become the property of the Knights Templar. Their occupancy was
short-lived, and their chapel stood on a corner of St. Owen Street. All that
remains of it is the lower part of a slightly curved wall, barely visible. St.
Giles' s Hospital was totally rebuilt in later years. |
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