incorporates part of the preceptory that was converted for residential use in the 16th century. Much of what can be seen today is from substantial renovation and extension works conducted by John Ely of Manchester, between 1894 and 1895. The chapel was heavily restored in 1896. In 1951, Rothley Court and the chapel were protected as Grade I Listed Buildings. A number of stone artefacts and partial grave slabs have been discovered over the years around the chapel, where they can be seen. This includes a recently restored effigy of a Templar knight, originally discovered in Rothley Churchyard in 1790; following a £2,000 restoration completed in 2011, the effigy has been placed within the chapel at Rothley Temple. Rothley Temple is also the name of a lodge of the Freemasons. The lodge, founded in 1961/62, took its name from the preceptory because of its association with the Knights Templar. Preceptors The Preceptor was head of the preceptory. Similar to an Abbot with an Abbey and a Prior with a Priory, the Preceptor was in charge of the preceptory's church and land, and managed the brethren of the order who lived at the preceptory. The Preceptor was answerable to the Grand Master of his order. Preceptors under the Knights Templar: Stephen of Todmershe. John Feversham. Walter of Ewenightewith. William of Wald. Alexander Blundus. William of Colewell, occurs 1271. The Preceptors under the Knights Hospitallers: From around 1371, Rothley was controlled by the preceptor of Dalby Preceptory John Dingley, c.1371. John Langstrothyr, c.1448. Thomas Newport, died 1522. Henry Babbington, c.1525. John Babbington, died 1534. Sir Henry Poole, 1535/6 – 1540. See also Dalby Preceptory Heather Preceptory References Roman Catholic churches in Leicestershire Knights Templar Monasteries in Leicestershire Preceptories of the Knights Hospitaller in England 1231 establishments in England Grade I listed buildings in Leicestershire Grade I listed monasteries 13th-century church buildings in England