Cressing Temple is situated in Essex three miles north of Witham. The site was given to the Knights Templars in 1137 by Matilda, wife of King Stephen, who they helped to the throne. The estate could have been quite large, incorporating several mills, markets and a annual fair. The only remains from that time are two barns and a stone well.In 1312 after the suppression of the Templars, the site was handed over to the Knights Hospitallers. During the Peasant's Revolt of 1381 on 10th June, Cressing was stormed by the rebels which at the time was owned by Sir Robert Hales, the Master of the Hospitallers and also Treasurer of England. The valuables of Cressing were removed and the buildings destroyed, apart from the barns. Hales was executed several days later after being removed from the Tower of London.
Mini Timeline
| 1381 | Jun 10 | Peasant's Revolt reaches Canterbury
| | | William Courtenay was elected the new archbishop of Canterbury by the Kentish rebels who crowded into the church. The previous archbishop was in London with the king and was to be beheaded by the rebels. The Essex section of the revolt burnt and sacked a Hospitaller commandery that had previously belonged to the Templars called Cressing Temple.1 |
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