Temple Newsam is over 1,000 acres of parkland, woodland, gardens, lakes, buildings and more, with a recorded history stretching back to the Domesday Book in the 11th Century. It’s been owned by the Templars, used as farmland, had a Tudor mansion built (and remodelled), been landscaped by England’s greatest gardener, inspired books, been turned into a coal mine, hosted sporting events, music festivals and weddings, and continues to be used by the people of Leeds to this day.

Explore our timeline to discover key events in the history of the estate.

History of Temple Newsam

1000

Grime’s Dyke

The earliest evidence of habitation on what is now Temple Newsam dates from before 1000AD. Earthworks on the eastern edge of the estate are believed to be early defensive or boundary structures, and aerial photography shows the edges of what might be a Romano-British farm.
1086

Domesday Book

The first concrete mention of Temple Newsam appears in the Domesday Book as “Neuhusam”.

1155

Knights Templar

Temple Newsam is gifted to the Knights Templar, who build a preceptory on the site.

1377

Sir Philip Darcy

Following the suppression of the Templars, by royal decree, the estate is passed to the ownership of Sir Philip Darcy.

1500

The House

Between 1500 and 1520 a Tudor country house is built – the “Hampton Court of the North”.

1537

Seized by the Crown

Temple Newsam is seized by the Crown following the execution of Thomas, Lord Darcy.

1544

A gift from the King

King Henry VIII gifts Temple Newsam to his niece and her husband, the Earl and Countess of Lennox.

1622

Bought by Sir Arthur Ingram

The estate is bought by Sir Arthur Ingram for £12,000.