The preceptory of Melchbourne was founded in the reign of Henry II by Alice de Claremont; other benefactors, including Roger de Clare, Earl of Hertford, Hugh de Beauchamp of Eaton, and William, Archbishop of York, added gifts of land and churches. Richard de Clare, the son of Roger, confirmed the gifts of his father and of Alice de Claremont; and after the suppression of the Knights Templar some of their property in Bedfordshire was transferred to Melchbourne.
Richard de Clare
Roger