The Province of Hertfordshire was originally started by the Founder Knights of Templary in Hertfordshire, William Stuart Snr., in the year 1847. The Province faded out of existence about 1880. The Stuart Preceptory struggled on but no new Provincial Prior was ever mentioned thereafter. Complying with new rules in the 19th century, The Preceptory of St. Alban No 266 and Temple Chelsin Preceptory No 269 were consecrated to form the three Preceptories needed for the formation of a new Provincial Priory of Hertfordshire.

And so it came to pass that on the 8th November 1933 at an ‘especial meeting’ called by Great Priory, the Very Eminent Knight John Frederick Cleeves KCT, was installed as Provincial Prior of Hertfordshire.

The John F Cleeves Preceptory, No 315 was consecrated on 31st January 1948 at The Café Royal. London, W1. The Provincial Prior, who was just retiring, having held his position for 15 years, carried out the ceremony and only at that point realized our Preceptory was to be named after him in his honour. This was the V. E. Kt. John F Cleeves CGT.

It is a matter of great pride to our Preceptory that three of our Founder Members became Provincial Sub-Priors; a further Founder became Provincial Prior.

During the years to date, a further three members became Provincial Sub-Priors and eventually Provincial Priors, and a fourth Member also became a Provincial Prior which meant that, by our 50th Anniversary, we had served the Province in those Offices some 40 years and 36 years respectively. A service that we are very proud of here at The John F Cleeves Preceptory, and that also reflects our very high standards both in members and ritual.

Our Consecrating Officer presented to us, during the ceremony, his own personal Sword and our Banner – both items are still in existence and regularly used at all of our Meetings.

Dave Sharman
Registrar