April 2025

Tucked away in the charming village of Rothley, Leicestershire, the Chapel of the Knights Templar stands as a striking reminder of medieval England and the enduring legacy of the Templar Order. Now part of the Rothley Court Hotel, this historic chapel offers visitors an evocative glimpse into a world shaped by faith, power, and pilgrimage.

The Knights Templar had already established a presence in Leicestershire before acquiring lands in Rothley. In 1203, John de Harecourt granted them property here, and by 1228, King Henry III formally granted them the manor house. By 1231, the Rothley preceptory had grown into a significant estate, encompassing lands in thirteen neighboring settlements. It included several mills, large grazing pastures for sheep, five independent chapels, and local granges such as those at Baggrave and Gaddesby.

At its peak, Rothley Preceptory likely resembled the nearby Preceptory of Temple Balsall in both scale and function. In addition to the chapel and manor hall, it probably included a dormitory, stables, kitchen, storehouse, bakery, and brewery. The Templars were also granted the advowson (the right to appoint clergy) of the parish church of St Mary and St John the Baptist.

A Glimpse into the Medieval Chapel

The chapel itself remains a simple yet captivating structure, echoing the architectural style typical of Templar buildings. It is slightly misaligned from true east–west, a feature observed in other Templar churches. Visitors enter through a square vaulted porch, which once had doorways on all four sides (three remain today, with one now bricked up). This porch may once have formed the base of a larger tower.

On either side of the chapel’s entrance are two low-built corbels, standing as silent guardians of the threshold. Inside, along the east end of the south wall, you’ll find a double piscina—used in medieval times for washing liturgical vessels. Opposite it lies a weathered effigy of a cross-legged knight. Though often believed to be a Templar, it is more likely that the figure represents a Crusader. Traditional Templar tombs were much simpler, typically marked by a florette or Templar cross with a long sword. In contrast, cross-legged effigies like this are more commonly associated with crusading knights of the period.

Stepping outside the chapel, you can still see traces of the wider Templar complex—though their original functions have long since changed. One such remnant is a dovecote, once documented as being near the chapel. Today, a building stands at that same location, with evidence of the dovecote still visible in the wall. It’s easy to imagine the surrounding buildings once forming the outhouses and dormitories of the bustling preceptory.

Remnants of a Once-Great Preceptory

After the fall of Acre in 1291, it is believed that Temple Rothley and Temple Balsall were administratively linked. Records suggest that the last preceptor of Rothley also held the title at Balsall—indicating a consolidation of Templar holdings shortly before their eventual suppression.

By this time, Rothley had become one of the Templars’ most valuable estates in England. After the dissolution of the Order in the early 14th century, the estate was passed to the Knights Hospitaller and eventually united with the nearby Dalby estate in 1371.

A Site Worth Visiting

Today, the Templar chapel still stands proudly as part of the Rothley Court Hotel. While much of the preceptory is lost to time, this modest yet atmospheric building offers a unique window into a pivotal chapter of England’s religious and military history. Visitors are welcome to explore the chapel—simply inquire at the hotel reception for access—and take a step back into a world of knights, crusades, and medieval devotion.

To learn more about the Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller & The Knights of Lazarus Head over to our main website here

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