Monument record 0052500000 - TEMPLE BULSTRODE

Was in Hedgerley. C13 owned by Knights Templar who had a preceptory (01:000) by 1276. After Templars suppressed in 1308, king seized lands (B4) & in 1337 they went to Bisham Priory. After dissolution series of owners until 1686 when Judge Jeffreys bought it & united with Bulstrode manor (CASS 01540)(B1-5,B21).
A change in ownership and proposed use for the field (grazing by horses) prompted a site visit accompanied by the EH monument warden. It was noted that the field was covered in long grass and that there were reeds in the lower parts. The new owner noted that there was sewage discharge into the field from the farm's septic tank. The earthworks were visible as a low undulating platform on the east side of the field with a broad low depression on the south and west sides. There is also a bank linking the hedgerow bank to the platform. It is unclear whether these are original elements of the site or the result of disturbance from adjacent grazing /road construction. However, the possibility that the platform does define the moated island ought to be considered (B19).


The preceptory of Bulstrode, a house of the Knights Templars, founded - 1276, dissolved 1308-12, it did not pass to the Hospitallers, and in 1338 was in the possession of the abbess of Burnham (B3).

No further information (B22).

SU 977883. The Templar's site of Temple Bulstrode can be identified by documentary evidence with Moat Farm (SU 978883). The dissolution survey of 1309 lists the usual claustral buildings which could be those shown on an estate map of 1686. There may be very late Templar buildings incorporated in the present Moat Farm. Trial excavations in the field to the west of the farm have exposed substantial foundations and there is worked stone on the site.

The earliest pottery and finds were 14th. Century. Not listed in the Templar Domesday 1185. Scheduled, number 136. (See also the earthworks SU 98 NE 23) (B23).

SU 9765 8825 An excavation directed by B Stainton and C Stanley in a field adjacent to Moat Farm located flint walling, roof tiles and medieval pottery, including scratch-marked wares (B11).

NRHE Inseet 1999, Update 2000, 2004 (B24).