MAY 2025

Tucked away in the peaceful Berkshire countryside, the village of Inkpen may seem like just another quiet English hamlet — but beneath its tranquil surface lies a remarkable connection to one of the most legendary military orders of the medieval world: the Knights Templar.

A Village with Deep Roots

According to the Domesday Book of 1086, Inkpen was once divided into two manors — Eastcourt and Westcourt. Today, the historic heart of Westcourt is still visible in the old manor house that stands near the Church of St Michael. It is here, in the shadow of that ancient manor, that local legend tells the story of Sir Roger de Ingpen.

Sir Roger de Ingpen: Templar Knight and Crusader

Tradition holds that Westcourt was originally granted by King Canute III to a man named Roger. Generations later, one of his descendants — Sir Roger de Ingpen — would rise to prominence as a knight of the Templar order and a veteran of the Crusades. Around 1220, Sir Roger is believed to have founded the Church of St Michael, leaving behind not just a place of worship, but a lasting symbol of his faith and legacy.

The Templar Tombs of Inkpen

Step inside the modest, timeworn church and you’ll find two remarkable tomb covers — both believed to commemorate Templar knights. One of these, in particular, is thought to be the final resting place of Sir Roger himself.

The tomb effigy is striking: a knight clad in full chain mail, with legs crossed — a symbol often associated with those who had journeyed to the Holy Land. He wears a surcoat that falls to his knees, holds the hilt of his sword, and bears a distinctive three-cornered shield on his left arm. The craftsmanship speaks to both his status and the reverence with which he was remembered.

Time and Trouble: The Damage to the Effigy

Sadly, the centuries have not been kind. The lower portion of the effigy is badly damaged — the result not only of age, but of human disregard. In the early 18th century, a later lord of the manor ordered the tomb to be removed to make space for his own family pew. Shockingly, the medieval monument was tossed into a nearby farmyard. Though it was eventually returned to the church, the damage had been done.

A Sacred Link to the Past

Today, the Church of St Michael remains a place of quiet reflection — and a rare glimpse into Inkpen’s medieval past. The weathered tombs within its walls speak not only of individual lives long passed, but of a time when faith, war, and land were deeply intertwined.

For those fascinated by the legacy of the Crusades or the mysterious allure of the Knights Templar, a visit to Inkpen offers a powerful reminder: even in the smallest of villages, history lies just beneath the surface — carved in stone, and waiting to be remembered.

 

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