Balsall Preceptory facts for kids
Balsall Preceptory was an important historical site in Warwickshire, England. It was a large estate, or 'manor,' that was given to a special group of warrior monks called the Knights Templar. They received this land because of their brave service during the Crusades, which were religious wars fought in the Middle East.
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What Was Balsall Preceptory?
Balsall Preceptory served as a main base, or 'preceptory,' for the Knights Templar in this part of England. It was like a headquarters for their activities and lands in the area. The land was given to them around the year 1185 by a nobleman named Roger de Mowbray. He was the son of Nigel d'Aubigny.
Lands Managed by Balsall Preceptory
The Knights Templar at Balsall Preceptory also looked after other lands they had received. These lands were also donated to them for their service in the Holy Land, where the Crusades took place. These included:
- Chilverscoton
- Cubbington
- Fletchampstead Hermitage
- Herdwicke Harbury
- Sherbourne
- Studley
- Temple Tysoe
- Warwick; and
- Wolvey.
The Old Hall at Balsall
The building known as Old Hall still stands today. Even though it has been repaired and changed a lot over the years, parts of it date back to when the Knights Templar lived there. It gives us a glimpse into what their lives might have been like.
The End of the Templars at Balsall
Eventually, the Knights Templar as an Order were disbanded. When this happened, several Templars who lived at Balsall were taken into custody.
