Church Tower To The North Of Temple Farmhouse

This is a church tower, dating from the early 13th century, with substantial restoration work carried out in the early 20th century. It is constructed of limestone ashlar with a plain tile hipped roof and deeply overhanging eaves. The tower, originally attached to other buildings, stands on the north and west sides. A chamfered plinth runs around the base.

The north front features a central doorway approached by seven steps. The double-chamfered, round-arched surround is moulded, with chamfered corbels supporting the outer arch; a hood covers the entrance. To the left is a rectangular chamfered opening with two chamfered, pointed blind arches above, each with a hood, and linked by a chamfered band. A tall, triple-shafted respond with moulded bases and capitals is on the right corner, above which are remnants of three chamfered ribs. Above the doorway is a chamfered corbel with a moulded capital and further remnants of three chamfered ribs. A chamfered band follows, and then a corner strip buttress supported on a moulded bracket. A chamfered eaves band completes the front.

The east front incorporates strip buttresses and bands. The first stage is blank, while the second and third stages have single, double-chamfered lancet windows with hoods. The fourth stage has a single, double-chamfered opening. On the south front is a tall, two-light, pointed, moulded, chamfered window spanning the first and second stages, now partly blocked with rubble and showing remnants of tracery in the arch. Above this are a single, double-chamfered lancet with a hood and a single light double-chamfered opening. An unusually moulded band runs along the eaves. The west front includes a single strip buttress to the right and lancet windows similar to those on the east front. A projecting strip buttress, supported on a moulded bracket, is above the south-west corner. A small remnant of the original battlements is also visible. The west front shows scars from two former roof lines.

This tower represents the only surviving remnant of a Knights Templars Preceptory, founded in the late reign of Henry II by William of Ashby. Following the suppression of the Templars in 1312, the site passed to the Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, and was finally dissolved in 1538. The tower was one of a pair that originally stood to the east of the circular church, connected by a presbytery and later chapel. Foundations of these demolished structures were uncovered in 1908, and their appearance is documented in a 1726 engraving by Samuel Buck. The tower is also designated as an Ancient Monument.