The Preceptory of Cressing was one of the very earliest Templar estates in England granted to the Knights Templars in 12th century. It was their largest estate in Essex. More than 1000-acre site was quite successful agricultural operation with Templar Perceptor in charge and with over 100 farmer tenants. Except the accomodation facilites, the manor had also bakehouse, brewery, dairy, granary, smithy, gardens, a dovecote, a watermill, and a windmill. The proceeds from the Cressing Temple were sent to fund Templar activities in the Crusader states in the Middle East.
Cressing Temple is now a protected ancient site that represents the very earliest and largest of the possessions of the Knights Templar in England. Barley barn at Cressing Temple claims to be the oldest standing timber-framed barn in the world.
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Art Historian, Archives
June 2024
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