Land at Dalby was given to the Knights Hospitaller by
Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester (1104 – 5 April 1168) in return for other land. The Hospitallers are thought to have founded their preceptory on that land during the reign of
King Henry II (reign 1154-1189); and it was definitely established before 1206. Before 1199 the Hospitallers had gained lands at
Isley Walton,
Heather,
Ravenstone and
Swinford, as well as gaining the
advowsons of the churches of
Ashby Parva,
Buckminster, Old Dalby and Swinford, before 1220.
Rothley Preceptory was similarly merged with Dalby before 1371.
Preceptors of Dalby • Robert of Sutton, occurs under Henry III or Edward I. • Robert Cort, occurs 1326. • John Larcher, occurs 1338. • John Dingley, occurs 1363 and 1371. • John Langstrothyr, occurs 1448. • Thomas Newport, occurs 1503, died 1522. • Henry Babbington, occurs 1525. • John Babbington, died 1534. • Henry Poole, 1535/6 - 1540. ==References==