Monument record 4192/2 - Preceptory of The Knights Hospitallers

A Preceptory was established at Dingley by the Knights Hospitallers in the reign of Stephen (1135-54). It was merged with Battisford in 1461. Dissolved in 1540. The Preceptory and its lands were given to Edward Griffin at the suppression in 1544. Earthworks have been noted as cropmarks to the North of the church, and may indicate the site of the Preceptory. Although the some of the fabric of the preceptory may have been incorporated into Dingley Hall, none has yet been identified

{1} Preceptory of Knights Hospitallers was founded before 1154. In 1338 there was 1 knight-preceptor, 2 corrody-holders, 1 pensioner, 1 steward, 2 clerks, 4 servants and 2 stable lads. In 1461 it merged with Battisford. The priory manor of Dingley was granted by the crown in 1540 to Edward Hastings for twenty-one years; the reversion of the manor and the advowson of the rectory were purchased of the crown in 1543 by Edward Griffin for £360 8s. 2d. The patent mentions the dovecote, garden, orchard called 'Paradyse,' and cemetery, as well as arable, pasture, and woodlands

{2} Preceptory was established at Dingley by Knights Hospitallers in reign of Steven (1135-54). The preceptory and its lands were given to Edward Griffin at suppression in 1544.

{3} Preceptory of Knights Hospitallers of St John was dissolved at Reformation and it is possible that parts have been incorporated or re-used in present house which is dated 1558 at earliest.

{4} Priory manor was granted to Edward Hastings in 1540. Reversion of manor purchased of crown in 1543 by Edward Griffin for £360.8s.2d.

{7} No remains of this preceptory could be identified in the fabric of Dingley Hall.

{8} (SP 772877). Earthwork closes to the north of the church, on AP in 1974.

<1> Knowles; Hadcock, 1971, Medieval Religious Houses England and Wales, (unchecked) (Book). SNN10192.

<2> Calendar of Patent Rolls, 35 Henry VIII pt.16 (unchecked) (Document). SNN978.

<2> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.30 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77326.

<3> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.185 (checked) (Series). SNN1320.

<4> Serjeantson R.M.; Ryland W. (Editors), 1906, The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.142-44 (unchecked) (Series). SNN100369.

<5> Calendar of Patent Rolls, 35 Henry VIII pt.16 (unchecked) (Document). SNN978.

<6> Ordnance Survey, 1950s/1960s, Ordnance Survey Record Cards, SP78NE10 (checked) (Index). SNN443.

<7> Seaman, BH, 1969, Field investigators comments, F1 BHS 17-JUL-1969 (Notes). SNN111907.

<8> Brown A.E. (Editor), 1975, Archaeology in Northamptonshire 1974, p. 174 (Report). SNN41605.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:03PM