The barn was built for the Knights Templar in the early thirteenth century (dendrochronological analysis has given a date of around 1220).

[1][2] The manor of Cressing was granted to the Knights Templar in the 12th century, and they are assumed to have commissioned the barn.

Scientific evidence suggests a felling date for the timber of the barn of around 1220.

Its construction displays 13th century features such as the use of straight square-section timber, passing braces, and certain types of joints and methods of assembly.

Essex County Council acquired Cressing Temple in the 1980s and it has been converted into a heritage attraction.