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Temple Dinsley Preceptory

Christian·England·Historic site (manor house now a private residence/former school)

Temple Dinsley Preceptory originated as Templar holdings which later passed to the Knights Hospitaller. Following the dissolution of the Hospitallers in 1542, the manor was granted to Sir Ralph Sadleir. The current manor house was constructed in 1714 and later served as Princess Helena College for many years.

Key Facts

  • Grew around Templar holdings.
  • Transferred to the Knights Hospitaller after the Templars' dissolution.
  • Manor passed to Sir Ralph Sadleir after the Hospitallers' dissolution in 1542.
  • Current manor house constructed in 1714.
  • Served as Princess Helena College from 1935 to 2021.
Temple Dinsley Preceptory
Notable Features

Manor House Dating From 1714

Location Details
Near Preston village, south of Hitchin in Hertfordshire.
Denomination Or Order
Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller
Associated Figures

Sir Ralph Sadleir

Historical Events
  • Dissolution of the Knights Templar
  • Dissolution of the Knights Hospitaller In 1542

About Temple Dinsley Preceptory

Temple Dinsley Preceptory is a historic site in Hertfordshire, England, whose origins lie with the Knights Templar. The village of Preston itself grew up around the Templar holdings at this location. Following the suppression of the Templars, the preceptory and its lands passed to the Knights Hospitaller.

History and Succession

Historical records indicate that the first church in the vicinity was mentioned in 1252, when land was granted to nuns from Elstow Abbey. Temple Dinsley eventually transferred to the Knights Hospitaller. The order's dissolution in 1542 marked another significant transition for the manor, which was then granted to Sir Ralph Sadleir. The manor house that stands today was constructed in 1714. In more recent times, the property served as Princess Helena College from 1935 until 2021.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Temple Dinsley originally?

Temple Dinsley originated as Templar holdings. The village of Preston grew up around these holdings.

Who took over Temple Dinsley after the Knights Templar?

After the dissolution of the Templars, Temple Dinsley passed on to the Knights Hospitaller.

What happened to Temple Dinsley after the Knights Hospitaller were dissolved?

When the Hospitallers were dissolved in 1542, the manor of Temple Dinsley was granted to Sir Ralph Sadleir.

When was the current house at Temple Dinsley built?

The current house at Temple Dinsley dates from 1714.

What was the recent use of the Temple Dinsley manor house?

The manor house at Temple Dinsley served as Princess Helena College between 1935 and 2021.