Rothley Temple, Medieval commandery in Rothley, England
Rothley Temple is a medieval commandery in Leicestershire with a surviving 13th-century chapel at its core. Stone buildings and grounds spread across the property, forming a complete settlement that once housed both monks and their servants.
King Henry III granted the Knights Templar ownership of this estate in 1231. Over the centuries ownership changed hands and the religious function gradually faded away.
The site shows how medieval military monks lived between warfare and farming. The surviving buildings tell of people who balanced religious duties with the management of large estates.
The site is mostly open to visitors, with the chapel being the main focus of interest. Wear comfortable shoes as the gardens and pathways have uneven surfaces.
A 1309 inventory recorded 350 sheep on the grounds, revealing that wool production was a major part of the operation. This shows how military orders ran profitable farming operations alongside their religious duties.
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