HOUSE OF KNIGHTS TEMPLARS
18. THE PRECEPTORY OF BALSALL
The manor of Balsall was granted to the
Templars in the reign of Stephen, by Roger
Mowbray. A number of other gifts were made
to them, including the manor of Sherborne and
lands in Tysoe and elsewhere in the county.
Henry II granted the hermitage of Fletchamstead and also the township of Keele in Staffordshire, and a preceptory was duly established at
Balsall. (fn. 1) In 1248 a charter of free warren over
their demesnes at Balsall was granted to the
Templars, (fn. 2) and in 1268 a weekly market on
Thursday and two fairs of three days each at the
feasts of St. Gregory and St. Matthew. (fn. 3)
When the order was suppressed in 1308, there
were amongst the brethren arrested eight who
had been received into the order in the house of
Balsall. Of these, John de Coningeston had
been admitted some thirty-six years before, and
would seem to have remained at the Warwickshire house most of the time, as he is mentioned
as present, with others, at the reception of Thomas
le Chamberlayn, William de Warewyk, chaplain,
William de Burton, Robert de Sautre, John de
Euleye, and Roger de Dalton. Next to him in
seniority was John de Stoke, chaplain, admitted
at Balsall seventeen years since; he was one of
the few to bear witness against his order, saying
that he was upon one occasion compelled to abjure
Christ. (fn. 4)
The name of the preceptor and the number of
the brethren resident here in 1308 are alike
unknown, but several persons are recorded as
being in receipt of various corrodies and pensions.
John de Sibeford received 5s. yearly, his sustenance at the squire's table, and a tunic made from
the cloth given by the preceptor to his retainers,
and so did John de Bovyngton. In the latter case
the privileges had been granted in return for his
long and faithful service, but Adam de Westerdale paid 20 marks for a similar allowance, while
a grant of food, half a mark yearly, and a tunic of
the style of the free servants, was made to Richard
le Carpenter of Balsall, on condition that he
should serve as carpenter so long as he was able.
Another pensioner was Richard de Poleford, who
was first granted bread and water and poor clothing, but was subsequently admitted to the squire's
table and given an allowance of 5 marks. (fn. 5)
The only preceptor whose name has survived
appears to be 'Frater Ern[isius]' who acted as
arbitrator in a suit between the priory of Nuneaton and the lords of Marton, c. 1224. (fn. 6)