Camerae were part of the settlement hierarchy of the military orders, which emerged in the 12th century in Europe and Jerusalem. Funds for fighting the crusades were martialled from preceptories and camerae, which were productive farms and manorial landlords, collecting dues, services and voluntary contributions. A large preceptory might be expected to hold two camerae, such as Willoughton (Lincs) which held Horkstow and Bottesford, and Battisford (Suffolk) which held Coddenham and Mellis.
The order of Knights Templar was suppressed by Apostolic Decree in 1312, following allegations of heresy. Many of their camerae passed to the Knights Hospitaller, who were themselves suppressed in 1540 when their English holdings were confiscated by the crown.
Templar camerae were established in England from the first quarter of the 12th century until the late 13th century; Hospitaller camerae were founded between the 1140s and the mid-14th century. Minimum estimates of English camerae are 16 Templar and 21 Hospitaller.