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Ribston Preceptory

Ribston Preceptory was a medieval religious establishment founded in 1217 for the Knights Templar near Little Ribston in North Yorkshire, England. Following the suppression of the Templars, it was transferred to the Knights Hospitaller and remained in their possession until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540. Although largely abandoned by the Hospitallers by the time of the Dissolution, a 13th-century chapel still survives on the site, now adjoining the 17th-century Ribston Hall.

Key Facts

  • Founded in 1217 by Robert de Ros for the Knights Templar.
  • Transferred to the Knights Hospitaller following the suppression of the Templars.
  • Held by the Knights Hospitaller until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540.
  • A 13th-century chapel, part of the original preceptory, still exists.
  • Ribston Hall, a Grade II* listed building, was constructed on the site in 1674.
  • The site is located east of the village of Little Ribston, in North Yorkshire, England.
Ribston Preceptory
Founding Date
1217
Architectural Style

Medieval, Baroque

Notable Features

13th-Century Chapel, Ribston Hall

Location Details
East of the village of Little Ribston, on the east bank of the River Nidd, North Yorkshire, England.
Denomination Or Order
Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller
Associated Figures

Robert De Ros, Sir John Goodricke, 1st Baronet, Sir Henry Goodricke, 2nd Baronet, Sir Henry Goodricke, 4th Baronet

Historical Events

Founded By Robert De Ros, Suppression of the Knights Templar, Transfer To the Knights Hospitaller, Dissolution of the Monasteries, Construction of Ribston Hall

About Ribston Preceptory

Ribston Preceptory was a significant religious institution established in North Yorkshire, England, during the medieval period. Its history is intrinsically linked to two prominent military-religious orders: the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaller.

Foundation and Early History

The preceptory at Ribston was founded in 1217. Robert de Ros was instrumental in its establishment, donating the necessary land and the advowson of Ribston to the Knights Templar. This marked the beginning of a period of Templar presence and activity at the site.

Transition to the Knights Hospitaller

The landscape of religious and military orders changed dramatically with the suppression of the Knights Templar between 1308 and 1312. Following this, the preceptory at Ribston was granted to the Knights Hospitaller. They maintained control of the preceptory until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1540.

Decline and Later Structures

By the time of the Dissolution, the Knights Hospitaller had largely abandoned Ribston Preceptory. The site was being worked by lay farmers, indicating a decline in its active monastic function. However, a notable remnant of the original preceptory, a 13th-century chapel, still survives. This chapel is now integrated with Ribston Hall, a substantial Grade II* listed building that was erected on the site in 1674, demonstrating the continuous occupation and adaptation of the location over centuries.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Ribston Preceptory founded?

Ribston Preceptory was founded in 1217. This was the year Robert de Ros donated the land and advowson of Ribston to the Knights Templar.

Who owned Ribston Preceptory after the Knights Templar?

After the Knights Templar were suppressed, the preceptory at Ribston was granted to the Knights Hospitaller. They held it until the Dissolution in 1540.

What remains of Ribston Preceptory today?

A 13th-century chapel, which originally belonged to the preceptory, still survives and adjoins the later Ribston Hall. The hall itself was erected on the site in 1674.

Where is Ribston Preceptory located?

Ribston Preceptory is situated just east of the village of Little Ribston, in North Yorkshire, England. It lies on the east bank of the River Nidd.