Knight Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent, ME2 2AH
Temple Manor
Manor
Place photograph
4.7
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
4.7A 13th-century Knights Templar lodging house stands amid Strood’s industrial streets. Inside, traces of medieval wall paintings survive in the first-floor hall; outside, a leafy garden gives the small site a quieter setting than its surroundings suggest.
Temple Manor earns its place through contrast: a rare medieval Templar house, with wall-painting traces and carved stone details, survives in the middle of an industrial estate. It is a compact, appointment-only visit rather than a full day out, but the building’s history is unusually tangible.
Atmospheric · Ancient-feeling · Quirky
Find your way
Open mapKnight Road, Strood, Rochester, Kent, ME2 2AH
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Arrange an appointment, then explore the manor’s medieval hall, surviving wall-painting traces and the building’s later alterations. It is a short heritage visit; English Heritage suggests pairing it with Rochester Castle for a broader medieval day out.
Things to do
Look for traces of medieval wall paintings
In the first-floor hall, look for the surviving traces of wall paintings noted by English Heritage.
Part of a short visit
Study the carved doorway details
Look at the carved mouldings and Purbeck marble shafts flanking the main doorway, features recorded in the site’s architectural history.
Part of a short visit
Notice the later alterations
Compare the medieval hall with its large 17th-century fireplace and brick extensions, which show how the building changed after its Templar period.
Part of a short visit
Pair the visit with Rochester Castle
English Heritage recommends continuing to Rochester Castle, a short drive away, to explore another part of the area’s medieval history.
Allow extra time
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1 hour
Quick escape: explore the Templar manor
- 01
Arrange your visit with English Heritage before setting out.
- 02
Explore the manor and first-floor hall, noting the surviving wall-painting traces and carved doorway details.
- 03
Allow time to look at the later additions and the leafy garden.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: Temple Manor and Rochester Castle
- 01
Arrange a visit to Temple Manor in advance and explore its medieval hall and architectural details.
- 02
Continue to Rochester Castle, around 15 minutes’ drive away according to English Heritage.
- 03
Check opening arrangements for both places before planning the visit.
Verified history
Henry II granted the manor of Strood to the Knights Templar in 1159. The house was built around 1240 as lodging for dignitaries travelling between Dover and London. Its original role lasted only several decades; by the early 14th century it had become a farm. After the Templars’ estates were seized by the Crown, Edward III granted Strood Manor to the Countess of Pembroke in 1336. The surviving building combines a medieval hall with later changes, including a 17th-century fireplace and brick extensions. Traces of medieval wall paintings remain in the first-floor hall.
Hidden details
Medieval wall-painting traces — English Heritage identifies traces of wall paintings in the first-floor hall—an easily missed survival within a building whose exterior is surrounded by modern industrial development.
Purbeck marble doorway shafts — The main doorway is flanked by Purbeck marble shafts, a specific material detail noted in the building’s architectural description.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · October · Arrange a visit directly with English Heritage; appointment times are not specified on the current official listing.
The official listing says the site is closed from November to March. During the remaining months, visits are by appointment only, so confirm arrangements before travelling.
The site includes uneven surfaces and steep stairs. Check access arrangements with English Heritage before visiting, particularly in poor weather.
Worth pairing with
Rochester Castle
A strong companion for a medieval-history outing; English Heritage describes it as around a 15-minute drive from Temple Manor.
Rochester Cathedral
English Heritage highlights the cathedral alongside Rochester Castle as part of Rochester’s historic setting. Check its current visitor information separately.
What to look for
Look for traces of medieval wall paintings in the first-floor hall, the carved mouldings and Purbeck marble shafts beside the main doorway, and the later brick extensions. The hall also contains a large 17th-century fireplace.
The story
Knights Templar, Archaeology
Best time to go
April–October, when the site is not seasonally closed; visits still need to be arranged in advance.
The site is closed from November to March and open by appointment only. Contact English Heritage before travelling to confirm a suitable visit time.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Architecture lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
English Heritage currently lists Temple Manor as open by appointment only; arrange a visit in advance. The site is closed from November to March. Access to the first-floor hall is by steep external stairs, and surfaces are uneven. Check the official listing before travelling, as management and arrangements may change.
Check before visiting
Parking
Parking availability is not confirmed by the official visitor information. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds only. Assistance dogs are welcome across the site.
Accessibility
The first-floor hall is reached by steep external steps; some steps may be challenging, and surfaces are uneven. The accessible route and toilet provision are not confirmed. Contact the site before arranging a visit if access requirements are relevant.
Cost
Free entry; check current arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Temple Manor
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
