More information : [SU 84698502] Bisham Abbey [L.B.]. (1) Bisham Abbey, a mansion & tower surrounded by a moat, was built 1557-60, incorporating the remains of a Preceptory of the Knights Templars. In 1337 an Austin Priory was founded here, dedicated to Jesus Christ & St Mary,surrendered & refounded as a Benedictine Abbey in 1537 & again surrendered in 1538. The Priory & Abbey buildings were independent of the Preceptory & have been demolished.[See plan AO/62/165/6]. There are a late Md. barn & a circular dovecote at Bisham. (2-4) The 16th. C. 'Bisham Abbey'is in good condition, & now a National Recreation Centre of the Central Council of Physical Recreation. See postcards 26821 & 26822 for NW & SW oblique air views & BHM 5 & 12 for SW elevation & interior of the hall respectively. The dovecot is at SU 84628496. The barn at SU 84828473 has been much altered & added to in modern times, Much of the moat has vertical sides which average 1.2m high above the water level. An inner bank, up to 0.3m high ,survives in places. There are no visible remains of the conventual buildings. Moat revised 1/2500. (5) Moat now filled in. (6) Site is scheduled Berks 148, as shown on attached plan including the dovecote. The main buiding is listed grade I and the rest grade II. (7) SU 848848. Bisham Abbey. Scheduled no 148. (8) Bisham Abbey. Preceptory of the Knights Templar, now the Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. C13, altered and extended C14, and largely rebuilt in C16, altered and extended C17. Minor restorations in 1859, altered mid C20. Grade I. (See list for details). (9) Additional bibliography. (10-14)
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