Temple Balsall facts for kids
Temple Balsall is a small village located in the West Midlands, England. It sits between the larger villages of Knowle and Balsall Common. This historic place is known for its deep connection to ancient knightly orders. It is one of the oldest and most interesting sites in the Solihull area.
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A Journey Through Temple Balsall's History
Temple Balsall gets its name from the Knights Templar. They were a famous group of warrior monks. They farmed about 650 acres (2.6 square kilometers) of land here in the 1100s. The Templars built a special place called Balsall Preceptory. This was where some of the brothers lived and managed their estate.
From Templars to Hospitallers
After the Knights Templar were no longer active, the estate was given to another group. These were the Knights Hospitaller of St John. They continued to manage the lands for some time.
However, things changed when King Henry VIII ruled England. He decided to close down many monasteries and religious groups. This event is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Because of this, the Knights Hospitaller lost the Temple Balsall estate.
Later, Queen Elizabeth I gave the estate to Robert Dudley. He was a very important person in her court.
Lady Katharine Leveson's Legacy
Robert Dudley's granddaughter was Lady Katharine Leveson. She inherited the Temple Balsall estate. When she passed away in 1674, Lady Leveson left money to help the community. Her gifts created almshouses, which are homes for people in need. She also supported the Lady Katharine Leveson primary school and the local church.
Important Buildings Today
Even today, you can see some very old and important buildings in Temple Balsall. These buildings tell the story of its long history.
The Ancient Church
The village has a beautiful church that dates back to the 1200s. This church was built during the time of the Knights Templar. It is a very special and historic place of worship.
The Old Hall and Almshouses
Next to the church is the Old Hall. This building also comes from the 1200s. It was likely part of the original Templar site. You can also see the almshouses that Lady Katharine Leveson helped create. These homes were built in the 1600s. They show her lasting care for the community.
Location and Surroundings
Temple Balsall is a small hamlet with only a few homes. It is located on the B4101 Kenilworth Road. This road is known for having some tricky bends. The village is part of the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull. It used to be part of Warwickshire county.
