Flawford farm in Barnby parish is known to have belonged to one of the Knights Templar who eventually became the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem. The Templars were formed early in the 12th century to escort pilgrims safely to the Holy Land. Additionally, they set up a hospital in Jerusalem which is now a famous eye hospital. Their influence was known all over Europe, as more and more grateful pilgrims gave them land and money. At first they worshipped in local village churches, such as Barnby, but eventually they appointed their own chaplains and claimed direct allegiance to the Pope. They became alienated from the local churches and refused to pay tithes, a yearly payment based on the value of the land. Thomas Le Archer was the Prior at Flaufore during this period.
Barnby is mentioned in several sources from the 12th century. In one, the following were mentioned as citizens of the time: Adam Persona (Parson) of Barnebi and Henrico Capellanode of Barnebi witnessed at Kelham a deed of gift to Rufford Abbey .
Last updated: 10 November 2000