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Penhill Preceptory is located near Aysgarth falls in Yorkshire and was established by the year 1185, a gift from Roger Mowbray who granted the Templars many lands in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Excavations have revealed several coffins and the remains of the altar inside the ruins of the chapel. Unfortunately, over the last 700 years it appears farmers have "borrowed" a few stones to build their own walls and thus the chapel lies in ruins.
Above, the site of Penhill preceptory, in the foreground we see the remains of the altar.
Above, one of the few stone coffins inside the ruins of the chapel.
Above, an unusual recess in the ground that has been billed as anything from a child's grave to a recess for burying a sword. It seems too small to be a grave and there is no record of any templar practice that involved burying swords so it's use is somewhat of a mystery.
Above, the wall of Penhill preceptory. The Templars certainly built their structures to last! The thickness is more likely a defence against excessive weathering and harsh winters as the chapel is rather exposed on a hillside.
Above, the site of Penhill preceptory, in the foreground we see the remains of the altar.
Above, one of the few stone coffins inside the ruins of the chapel.
Above, an unusual recess in the ground that has been billed as anything from a child's grave to a recess for burying a sword. It seems too small to be a grave and there is no record of any templar practice that involved burying swords so it's use is somewhat of a mystery.
Above, the wall of Penhill preceptory. The Templars certainly built their structures to last! The thickness is more likely a defence against excessive weathering and harsh winters as the chapel is rather exposed on a hillside.
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