The Knights Templar Essex is an international fraternal organisation dedicated to the preservation of the ancient and noble traditions of chivalry, service, and honour. The Order was founded in England in 1185 and has since expanded to become a global organisation with members from all walks of life. The Knights Templar have a unique set of values and beliefs, which are centred around the pursuit of justice, truth, honour, respect, loyalty, integrity and charity. The Order is committed to its members and ensures they are provided with the best possible guidance in their quest for knowledge and self-improvement. As an organisation we strive to promote these values within our members so that they may live by them in their daily lives. The history of the Knights Templar in Essex dates back to the 12th century, when they were established as a religious and military order. The Templars had a strong presence in the county and their headquarters was located at Temple Chelsfield near Orsett. They held extensive lands throughout Essex, including land in Basildon, Chelmsford, Great Wakering, Grays Thurrock, Leigh-on-Sea and Maldon.
The Knights Templar were disbanded in 1312 by the Pope Clement V following a series of accusations of heresy and misconduct. Their lands in Essex were taken over by the Hospitallers and other religious orders that had been founded to replace them. Although there is no longer any direct evidence of their presence in Essex today, there is evidence of their influence on local architecture and culture. For example, many churches throughout the county have Templar symbols carved into them, such as crosses or swords.
In recent years, various groups have sought to revive the legacy of the Knights Templar in Essex by recreating their ceremonies and rituals. The most prominent of these is the Order of St John (the modern descendant of the Hospitallers), which holds regular meetings at Temple Chelsfield near Orsett.
The Preceptory at Little Waltham
The Preceptory at Little Waltham is an historic site located in the village of Little Waltham, Essex, England. It was once a twelfth century preceptory of the Knights Templar and has been described as one of the best preserved examples of a medieval monastic site in Britain. The site is now managed by English Heritage and open to the public.
The Preceptory at Little Waltham was built around 1160 and served as a base for the Knights Templar, an order of Christian knights founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. The building was used as a lodging house for visiting knights, as well as a chapel and scriptorium where documents were written and stored. Over the centuries, it became a place of spiritual retreat for members of the order.
Today, visitors to The Preceptory can explore its grounds which include the remains of an aqueduct which supplied water to the site and part of a wall which may have been part of its defences. Inside the building, visitors can view the remains of several rooms including two chapels, from which fragments of medieval frescoes still remain. There is also an exhibition about the history of The Preceptory and how it has evolved over time.
The Preceptory at Little Waltham is an important historical site that provides insight into how religious orders lived during medieval times. Its unique architectural features make it one of the most interesting examples of a medieval monastic site in Britain and well worth visiting for anyone interested in learning more about this period in history.
The Preceptory at Cressing Temple
The Preceptory at Cressing Temple is a historic building located in the Essex countryside. It was originally built in the 12th century as a base for the Knights Templar, an order of Christian warrior-monks. The Preceptory has been restored to its original form and is now open to the public as a museum and visitor centre. Visitors can explore the ancient halls and chambers, view artifacts from Templar history, and learn about the history of the Order and its mission. The Preceptory also hosts special events throughout the year, such as re-enactments of medieval jousts and tournaments.
The grounds of Cressing Temple are also home to a stunning garden, which is open to visitors from April to October each year. This garden features a variety of plants and trees, including roses, lavender, magnolias, and apple trees. The garden also includes an orchard with over 80 varieties of apples! There is also an apiary located on site where visitors can observe bees at work among their hives.
The Preceptory at Cressing Temple is an excellent place to visit for those interested in history or simply looking for a tranquil escape into nature. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying overnight in one of their lodges, you’re sure to find something fascinating to discover here!
The Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a religious military order that was founded in the 12th century. The order was established to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The members of the order were highly trained knights who swore an oath of loyalty to the Catholic Church and were charged with defending the faith. They were also responsible for protecting and transporting valuable artifacts, including relics and treasure. During their time, they became one of the most powerful military forces in Europe.
The Knights Templar’s strict code of chivalry and their dedication to their cause earned them respect from both fellow Christians and Muslims alike. They were renowned for their courage and martial prowess, and played a major role in the Crusades.
In 1307, King Philip IV of France accused the Order of heresy, arrested its members, and seized all its property. This marked the end of the Order as an effective force in Europe, though some remnants survived until 1312 when Pope Clement V officially dissolved it.
Today, many organizations have adopted or been inspired by aspects of the Knights Templar’s code of conduct such as charity, honor, courage, loyalty and service to others. The legacy of these courageous knights lives on in popular culture with books, movies and video games often featuring characters based on them or incorporating elements from their history.
Who Founded the Knights Templar Order?
The Knights Templar Order was founded in 1118 AD by Hugues de Payens, a French knight from the Champagne region of France. Payens was joined by eight other knights, who were all related to him in some way. Together, they formed a small group of devout Christians devoted to protecting pilgrims on their way to visit the holy sites in Jerusalem. The order was officially recognized by the Catholic Church in 1128 AD and went on to become one of the most influential military orders of the Middle Ages.
Payens and his fellow knights took a vow of poverty, chastity and obedience and established a code of conduct for members of the order. They also adopted a distinctive white mantel with a red cross as their emblem, which quickly became associated with their image as defenders of Christianity. The order’s early years were marked by great success, with Payens leading several successful military campaigns throughout Europe and the Holy Land.
By 1139 AD, the Knights Templar had grown into an international organization with thousands of members across Europe and even chapters in some parts of Asia. The order was granted special privileges by kings and popes alike, making them one of the most powerful groups in medieval Europe. The wealth and power they accumulated allowed them to build vast fortresses and castles across Europe as well as provide financial services such as banking for pilgrims travelling through Europe on their journeys to Jerusalem.
The Knights Templar Order continued to grow in power until its dissolution in 1312 AD when Pope Clement V disbanded it after accusations that its members were engaging in acts contrary to Christian faith. Despite its demise, the Order has maintained its legacy as one of the most influential organizations ever created during Medieval times—all thanks to its founder, Hugues de Payens.
The Purpose of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a medieval Catholic military order formed in the 12th century for the purpose of protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The order was founded by a group of knights who had taken vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. The Knights Templar were also charged with defending Christian holy sites in Jerusalem from Muslim invasion. They soon became one of the most powerful and wealthiest military orders in Europe, and their influence extended to politics, banking, and trade.
The Knights Templar created a strong system of fortifications and castles throughout Europe to help protect their lands from enemies. They also served as bankers to European nobility, lending them money as well as providing security for their investments. In addition, they developed a code of conduct that governed their actions on and off the battlefield. This code emphasized loyalty to God, honesty, courage, and respect for one’s superiors.
The Templars’ primary mission was to protect pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem from Muslim attacks. However, they also fought against heretics and engaged in various other campaigns throughout Europe in defense of Christianity. By 1307, the order had become so powerful that King Philip IV of France accused them of heresy and other crimes in an effort to seize their wealth. The Pope eventually disbanded the order in 1312 amid allegations of corruption and immorality within its ranks.
Despite its ultimate demise, the Knights Templar remain an important part of medieval history due to their legendary courage and dedication to protecting those who could not protect themselves. Even today, many people draw inspiration from their example of selfless service in pursuit of a greater good.
Relationship Between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar
The relationship between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar is a complex one. While there is no definitive answer as to how they are linked, the two organizations have been intertwined for centuries. Freemasonry has long been associated with the Knights Templar and their mysterious activities, though it is unclear exactly how close their relationship was. It is believed that members of both orders had access to knowledge and resources that were not available to the general public, leading to a strong connection between them.
The Knights Templar were a religious military order founded in 1119 by French knight Hugues de Payens. They were formed to protect Christian pilgrims travelling in the Holy Land during the Crusades. As their reputation grew, so did their influence, leading many European nobles to join their ranks. The Templars also gained vast wealth through donations from wealthy patrons and land holdings across Europe.
Freemasonry was established centuries later in 1717 in England, though its origins can be traced back much further. It is a fraternal organization that focuses on moral and spiritual development, with its members bound together by oaths of secrecy. Over time it has become associated with a range of symbols and rituals which are thought to have been derived from those of the Templars. Many Masonic lodges feature symbols related to the Templars such as crossed swords or two knights riding a single horse – symbols which are believed to reflect the original mission of protecting Christian pilgrims on their journey through hostile territory.
The precise nature of the relationship between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar remains largely unknown, but many believe there are direct connections between them which have been lost over time. By looking at certain Masonic rituals and symbols, it becomes apparent that some elements can be traced back to those used by the Templars centuries ago. It is possible that some elements of Masonic practice were passed down from generation to generation until they were eventually adopted by Masons in more recent times. Whatever its exact nature may be, it appears that some form of connection exists between Freemasonry and the Knights Templar – one which has lasted for centuries.
How Did the Knights Templar Make Money?
The Knights Templar were a religious order of knights, founded in the 12th century. They were responsible for protecting Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land and later became one of the most powerful military orders in Europe. The Templars were also incredibly wealthy, and their vast wealth was largely due to their business activities.
The Templars ran a variety of businesses, including banking and money-lending. In addition to providing banking services for pilgrims and local merchants, they also accepted deposits from European nobles who wished to keep their money safe while they were away on crusades or other business ventures. The Templars then used this money to finance their own projects, such as building churches and fortifications.
The Templars were also involved in trade and manufacturing, producing high-quality textiles, weapons, armor, jewelry, and other goods. They even owned a fleet of merchant ships that sailed around the Mediterranean Sea, trading goods between Europe and the Middle East. This allowed them to generate significant profits from their commercial activities.
In addition to these commercial activities, the Templars also collected donations from wealthy patrons who wanted to support their cause. This was an important source of income for them as it allowed them to finance their operations without relying solely on their own resources or those of their patrons.
Overall, the Knights Templar were highly successful businessmen who used a variety of methods to generate income and amass great wealth during their time on Earth. From banking services to trade and manufacturing, they played an important role in the development of Europe’s economy during the Middle Ages.
Last Thoughts
The Knights Templar of Essex played a pivotal role in the development of the county, and their legacy still lives on today. The order provided a safe haven for local people during times of trouble and religious strife, and their impact on the local economy was significant. The Order was eventually disbanded in 1312, but its influence in Essex can be felt to this day. The memory of these brave knights lives on through their monuments and memorials scattered across the county, as well as through the stories that are passed down from generation to generation.
The Knights Templar were an integral part of Essex’s history, and it is important to remember their contributions to the county. Their legacy should be celebrated and appreciated by all who call Essex home.
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