The Knights Templar Hertfordshire is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and preserves the history of the medieval order of the Knights Templar. Established in 2017, we are dedicated to raising awareness of the important role this religious and military order played in European history. We host events throughout Hertfordshire to help people explore and discover the fascinating story behind these famous knights. Through our activities, we hope to spread knowledge and appreciation for this key part of our shared heritage. The history of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire dates back to the 12th century. The Order of the Knights Templar was founded in 1118 by Hugh de Payens and eight other knights with the purpose of protecting pilgrims on their journeys to the Holy Land. The Order quickly gained a reputation for their courage and devotion to God, and soon they had established commanderies throughout Europe, including in Hertfordshire. The earliest known commandery in Hertfordshire was at St Albans, where a preceptory was established in 1135. This was followed by a commandery at Baldock in 1150 and another at Royston in 1159.
At each of these sites, a church and fortified buildings were constructed to house the knights and their families, as well as providing accommodation for pilgrims. The Templars also managed large estates which provided them with income needed to support their activities. By 1300 there were five preceptories and one commandery operating in Hertfordshire under the leadership of the Grand Master of England, who resided at St Albans.
The power of the Knights Templar came to an end when Pope Clement V disbanded them in 1312, but their legacy remains visible today; many churches, castles and historical sites throughout Hertfordshire still bear witness to their presence centuries ago.
Overview
The Knights Templar were a religious order of knights that was founded in the 11th century, to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. They were very influential during the Middle Ages, and had a strong presence in Hertfordshire. They built a number of castles and monasteries throughout the county, and their influence can still be seen today. This article will provide an overview of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire, and how their legacy has endured.
The Knights Templar first arrived in Hertfordshire in the 12th century, when they established their first castle at Waltham Abbey. The castle served as a base for the knights to carry out their religious and military activities, as well as providing shelter for pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. The knights also built several other castles throughout Hertfordshire, including Hertingfordbury Castle and Standon Castle.
The Knights Templar also had a significant religious presence in Hertfordshire. They founded several monasteries across the county, including St Albans Abbey and Waltham Abbey. These abbeys were important centres of learning and worship for the Templars, who sought to spread their faith across Europe.
Today, the legacy of the Knights Templar is still visible in Hertfordshire. Many of their castles have been preserved or restored over time, such as Waltham Abbey which is now open to visitors. The abbeys are also popular tourist attractions, with many visitors coming to learn about the history of these former religious orders.
In reflection, it is clear that the Knights Templar had a significant influence on Hertfordshire during the Middle Ages. Their castles and monasteries remain popular tourist attractions today, providing insight into this important period in history.
Timeline of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire
The Knights Templar was a medieval religious order founded during the early 12th century in Jerusalem. The order was active in Hertfordshire for several centuries and played an important role in the development of England. Here is a timeline of their activities in the county:
1135: The Knights Templar are founded in Jerusalem with the purpose of protecting pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land.
1139: The Order is recognized by Pope Innocent II and given papal privileges, including financial support from European rulers.
1150s: The Order acquires lands in Hertfordshire, including land at Much Hadham, Hunsdon, and Little Gaddesden.
1186: The Order begins construction of a Preceptory at Hunsdon, which serves as its headquarters in Hertfordshire.
1241: King Henry III grants further land to the Templars at Much Hadham.
1291-1306: The Templars suffer major losses following their expulsion from the Holy Land and their suppression by Pope Clement V. In England, most of their lands are confiscated by King Edward I.
1314: The Order’s Grand Master Jacques de Molay is executed by burning at the stake for heresy. This marks the end of the Templars as an organized force.
1540: The remaining lands owned by the Templars are sold off by King Henry VIII as part of his dissolution of monasteries and religious orders.
The Role of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire
The Knights Templar were a powerful and influential military order of Christian knights during the Middle Ages. They were founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, and their influence would be felt throughout Europe for centuries. In Hertfordshire, they were responsible for protecting the county’s churches and monasteries, as well as its castles, farms, and other properties. The Templars also played an important role in England’s Hundred Years War against France.
The Knights Templar were granted vast tracts of land in Hertfordshire by King Henry II in 1154. This land was mostly located in the East Hertfordshire region and included many churches, monasteries, castles, manors, farms and other properties. The Templars used this land to fund their military campaigns and to support their numerous charitable works.
In addition to protecting these properties, the Templars also helped to develop them. They built roads and bridges over difficult terrain; constructed castles; erected churches; improved agricultural production; and established mills for grinding grain into flour. They also introduced innovative farming techniques such as crop rotation which greatly increased agricultural productivity.
The Templars’ involvement in Hertfordshire had a lasting impact on the area even after they were disbanded by King Philip IV of France in 1307. Many of the properties that they owned or managed became part of the Church’s holdings at that time, ensuring that their legacy continued far beyond their own lifetime. Even today, many places throughout Hertfordshire still bear traces of the presence and influence of this once powerful order of Christian knights.
Locations of Knights Templar Sites in Hertfordshire
The Knights Templar were a religious military order who played a significant role in the Middle Ages, and their presence can still be found in Hertfordshire today. There are several locations across the county that still bear witness to their legacy, including the ruins of Baldock Castle, a medieval fortification built by the Templars in the 12th century. The castle is surrounded by extensive earthworks and has been designated an ancient monument.
Closer to Hertford is an area known as ‘Temple Dinsley’, which was once part of a large estate owned by the Knights Templar. The site includes two large ponds, a 17th century manor house and other remnants of their time here such as earthworks and building foundations. It is now open to the public as part of a nature reserve.
The village of Redbourn also has strong associations with the Templars; it was originally named ‘Ruttingdene’ and was owned by them until 1308 when it passed into private ownership. The church here has several features which reflect its Templar past, including an effigy of a knight which dates from around 1300.
Therefore, there is St Albans Cathedral where there is evidence that the Templars had a major presence in this area during the medieval period; fragments of carved stone have been found on its site which may have belonged to them. A memorial plaque inside commemorates their influence on this important religious centre.
These sites all provide valuable insight into the history and legacy of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire, offering visitors an opportunity to explore their fascinating story.
The Legacy of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire
The Knights Templar, or the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, were a religious order founded in 1119 with the purpose of protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to and from the Holy Land. They became extremely powerful and influential during the Middle Ages, and their legacy can still be found in many places around the world, including Hertfordshire in England. The Knights Templar had an important presence in Hertfordshire, establishing a number of preceptories (or administrative centers) in the area. The most well-known is located at Great Berkhamsted Castle, which was originally built by King Henry II as a royal residence.
The Templars held considerable power in Hertfordshire throughout their tenure, and they owned vast amounts of land and property. In addition to Great Berkhamsted Castle, they also had a preceptory at Aston End near St Albans and another at Little Berkhamsted near Ware. The Order’s influence was so great that it even earned itself a unique legal status known as “Templar Liberties”, which allowed them to operate independently from local laws and regulations.
The legacy of the Knights Templar can still be seen today in Hertfordshire. Great Berkhamsted Castle is now managed by English Heritage and is open to visitors all year round. There are also several churches in the area that are believed to have been built by the Templars during their tenure, including St Mary’s Church in St Albans and St Peter’s Church in Ware. These churches often feature distinctive architectural elements such as round arches or pointed spires that are associated with Gothic architecture – another legacy of the Order’s influence on medieval architecture.
The legacy of the Knights Templar can also be seen more subtly throughout Hertfordshire today: many roads take their names from locations or people connected to the Order, while some old inns may still bear their name or emblem as a reminder of their past importance. It is clear that despite their disbandment over 700 years ago, they have left an indelible mark on this region of England – one which will continue to be appreciated for centuries to come.
The Religious Influence of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire
The Knights Templar was an influential religious and military order which had a considerable presence in Hertfordshire during the Middle Ages. The order was founded in 1119 and soon became one of the most powerful religious and military organizations in Europe. The Templars were renowned for their courage, loyalty, and devotion to God, and they were respected by both Christians and Muslims alike. They also played an important role in the region’s politics, economy, and culture.
In Hertfordshire, the Templars built castles at Baldock, Stevenage, Ware, Hitchin, and St Albans. They also established several preceptories throughout the county. These were essentially large manor houses where knights could stay while they were on pilgrimage or when they needed to rest after long journeys.
The Templars also had a strong presence in local churches. Many of them served as priests or clerics at various churches throughout Hertfordshire. This allowed them to spread their teachings throughout the county and beyond. They also used their influence to help promote Christianity among local people who may not have been familiar with it before.
The Templars also had a strong commercial presence in Hertfordshire as well. They owned many farms which they used to produce food for their members as well as for local markets. They also owned many mills which were used to grind grain into flour for sale or consumption within the county.
Therefore, it is important to note that the influence of the Knights Templar extended beyond just Hertfordshire itself. Their presence in England was felt all over Europe due to their extensive network of monasteries and preceptories which stretched across Europe from Scotland all the way down into Spain and Portugal.
Overall, it is clear that the Knights Templar had a strong religious influence in Hertfordshire during the Middle Ages. Their presence was felt in many different aspects of life including politics, economy, culture, religion, and commerce which helped shape the region for centuries to come.
Military Influence of the Knights Templar in Hertfordshire
The Knights Templar were a powerful force in the Middle Ages, and their influence extended to many areas of Europe, including Hertfordshire. The Templars were an order of warrior monks, who fought for the Christian faith during the Crusades and defended pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. They had great wealth and power, and their presence was felt in many parts of Europe. In Hertfordshire, they held several estates, and their influence can still be seen today in certain areas.
The Templars first arrived in Hertfordshire in 1142, when they were granted a manor house at Temple Dinsley by King Stephen. This estate was located near Letchworth, and it was here that they established their headquarters for the region. The Templars used this location as a base for their operations throughout Hertfordshire.
The Templars also established other estates in Hertfordshire, including Ware Priory near Ware and Knebworth Abbey near Stevenage. These estates helped to finance their military campaigns throughout Europe and provided resources for the Order’s activities in England.
The Templars were active participants in battles throughout Europe during the Crusades. In 1177, they were part of a large army that defeated Saladin at Montgisard near Jerusalem. In 1217 they fought alongside Richard I against French forces at Damietta on the Nile Delta. They also took part in battles closer to home, such as when they assisted with King John’s campaign against rebel barons at Bedford Castle in 1215.
The Templars’ presence was not confined to military activity; they also built churches and other religious sites throughout Hertfordshire. Their most impressive religious structure was built at Temple Dinsley – now known as St Mary’s Church – which still stands today as a reminder of their influence on this region during medieval times. Other Templar landmarks include Temple Abbey near Letchworth Garden City and Heron Hall near Ware Priory – both of which feature elements that are believed to have been constructed by or influenced by members of the order.
The legacy of the Knights Templar can still be seen today throughout Hertfordshire; from churches to castles and other landmarks associated with them, their presence is still felt here more than 800 years later!
Last Thoughts
The Knights Templar Hertfordshire have played an important role in the history of the region and the country. They have served as a beacon of strength and courage for those who have been through difficult times. The Templars’ commitment to their faith, their service, and their willingness to stand up for what they believe in, will continue to be an inspiration for generations.
The Knights Templar Hertfordshire have also been instrumental in preserving the rich history of the region, and they continue to be involved in a variety of charitable endeavours. Whether it is through their involvement in local heritage sites or providing support for those in need, their dedication to helping others is something that should always be respected.
In reflection, the Knights Templar Hertfordshire are an important part of our society. Their commitment to service and faith has served as an example for many generations, and their charity work continues to make a positive impact on people’s lives in the region. They are a reminder that it is possible to make a difference by standing up for what you believe in and helping others.
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