Great Wilbraham Preceptory
Great Wilbraham Preceptory was established by the Knights Templar in 1226, with much of the Church of Saint Nicholas dating from this period. The manor was granted to Alan Martel, the Templar Master at the time. Following the dissolution of the Templar order, ownership transferred to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. An Elizabethan manor house now stands on the site of the preceptory in Little Wilbraham.
Key Facts
- ›Established by the Knights Templar in 1226.
- ›The Church of Saint Nicholas at Great Wilbraham features architecture from the founding period.
- ›A Templar tombstone is located within the church tower.
- ›A Templar cross is visible on the north wall of the church.
- ›Ownership passed to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem after the Knights Templar were dissolved.
- ›An Elizabethan manor house at Temple End, Little Wilbraham, occupies the former preceptory site.
Medieval
- Church of Saint Nicholas
- Templar Tombstone
- Templar Cross
- Elizabethan Manor House On Former Preceptory Site
Alan Martel
Establishment By Knights Templar, Dissolution of the Templar Order
About Great Wilbraham Preceptory
Great Wilbraham Preceptory is a historical site in the villages of Great and Little Wilbraham, Cambridgeshire. Its origins trace back to 1226 when the Knights Templar established a preceptory here. The manor was granted to Alan Martel, who held the position of Templar Master at that time. A significant portion of the Church of Saint Nicholas in Great Wilbraham dates from this founding period, reflecting its medieval origins.
Evidence of the Templar presence remains at the site. Within the tower of the Church of Saint Nicholas, a Templar tombstone is preserved, and a distinct Templar cross is visible on the exterior north wall. Before the Templars held the lands, they were previously occupied by monks from Ely.
Following the dissolution of the Knights Templar order across Europe, the ownership of Great Wilbraham Preceptory transferred to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. In the neighboring village of Little Wilbraham, at a location known as Temple End, an Elizabethan manor house now stands on the very ground where the preceptory once operated.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Great Wilbraham Preceptory founded?
The preceptory was established in 1226 by the Knights Templar. This date is significant as much of the Church of Saint Nicholas at Great Wilbraham dates back to this period.
Who established Great Wilbraham Preceptory?
It was founded by the Knights Templar. The manor was granted to Alan Martel, who was the Templar Master at the time of its establishment.
What is the present status of the preceptory site?
While the preceptory itself is no longer operational, the Church of Saint Nicholas remains. In the nearby village of Little Wilbraham, an Elizabethan manor house stands on the site of the original preceptory.
Are there any visible remnants of the Knights Templar at the site?
Yes, there are tangible signs of the Templar presence. A Templar tombstone is hidden away under the tower of the Church of Saint Nicholas, and a Templar cross can be found on the outside north wall.
What happened to the preceptory after the Knights Templar?
At the dissolution of the Templar order, ownership of the preceptory passed into the hands of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. The lands had previously been held by monks of Ely before the Templars.
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