The Knights Templar of London is an international organisation that is dedicated to the preservation of the legacy of the historic order of Knights Templar and its ideals. Founded in 2013, the London branch of the Knights Templar aims to promote the values and principles of this legendary order, and to provide a forum for members to come together and discuss how they can further these ideals. The Order’s activities are based on chivalry, honour, and religious devotion and involve charitable works, historical re-enactment, educational lectures, and other related activities. The Knights Templar were a medieval Christian military order that was based in London from the 12th century until the 14th century. The Knights Templar were founded in 1119 in Jerusalem with the purpose of protecting pilgrims on their journeys to the Holy Land. The order quickly became powerful and eventually established a network of commanderies throughout Europe, including London.
The Knights Templar arrived in England in 1128 and established their first commandery in London at Holborn in 1140, which later became their official headquarters. During their time in London, they built several churches, including Temple Church near Fleet Street and St John’s Priory at Clerkenwell. They also opened a hospital at St Bartholomew’s and another at Smithfield.
The Templars were extremely wealthy and powerful during this time, as they owned extensive lands throughout Europe and even held the crown of England for a short period of time. This wealth and power drew the attention of King Philip IV of France who had his own financial troubles. So, he accused them of heresy and had them arrested on October 13th 1307. This marked the end of the Knights Templar’s presence in London as most members were either executed or imprisoned for life.
Origins of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was an organization of warrior monks that arose in the Middle Ages during the Crusades. The origin of the order can be traced to a group of nine French knights who were led by Hugues de Payens and Godfrey de Saint-Omer in 1118. They were given permission by King Baldwin II of Jerusalem to establish a headquarters at the ruins of an old temple site known as the Temple Mount. This site was believed to be where King Solomon’s Temple once stood, hence their name. The mission of this group was to protect Christian pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem from bandits and other threats.
Over time, the order grew in size and influence, eventually becoming one of the most powerful and influential religious and military forces in Europe during the Middle Ages. In addition to their role as protectors, they also acted as bankers, lending money to nobles and royalty throughout Europe, while also providing a safe haven for those seeking refuge from political or religious persecution.
The order was disbanded by Pope Clement V in 1312 due to accusations of heresy and other alleged crimes. However, their legacy still lives on today in various forms such as Freemasonry, which is said to have been derived from Templar traditions.
Their impact on European history is undeniable, having had an influence on everything from military tactics to banking practices. Even today they are remembered with reverence by many who are interested in medieval history and culture.
What Was the Purpose of the Knights Templar?
The Knights Templar was a religious military order established in 1118 to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem. The Templars were founded on the premise that, as a religious and military order, they would protect pilgrims from attack and also help them complete their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. They provided safe passage for pilgrims in a region where bandits and other ne’er-do-wells preyed upon those travelling abroad. The Templars adopted a code of conduct that was based on several ideals, such as loyalty, courage, selflessness and piety. Over time, they became one of the most powerful and influential orders in the medieval world.
In addition to providing protection for Christian pilgrims, the Templars were also tasked with defending the newly established Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem and its surrounding territories from Muslim forces during the Crusades. The Templars were highly trained fighters who fought alongside other crusading knights in battle against Muslim forces. They were also instrumental in developing and implementing advanced military tactics during this period.
The Knights Templar were also involved in banking and finance activities throughout Europe. They operated their own banking network which allowed them to transfer money across large distances without having to transport physical currency or gold. This allowed them to finance large scale projects such as building castles or investing in other businesses without having to worry about transporting large amounts of wealth.
The Knights Templar played an important role in Medieval Europe not only militarily but also economically and financially due to their extensive banking network. Their role as protectors of Christian pilgrims travelling through hostile lands was just as important though, as it allowed Christians from all over Europe to travel safely and complete their pilgrimage unhindered by danger or interference from outside forces.
What Did the Knights Templar Do in London?
The Knights Templar were a powerful and influential religious military order during the Middle Ages. During their time in London, they were responsible for a number of activities and projects. They established several churches and monasteries throughout the city, some of which still exist today. They also had a strong presence in the banking industry, lending money to merchants and royalty alike. Additionally, they provided protection for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land from England and other parts of Europe. The Templars also had an administrative role in England, helping to develop laws and systems of government that are still used today.
In addition to their religious and administrative roles, the Templars also played a major role in defending London during times of conflict. They served as soldiers during both the First Crusade and the Hundred Years War, providing vital aid to both sides of these conflicts. Furthermore, they were instrumental in protecting London from invasion by Viking raiders and other enemies throughout much of the Middle Ages. Their presence helped ensure that London remained an important city during this period of history.
The Knights Templar left an indelible mark on London’s history, culture, and infrastructure. Their influence can still be seen throughout the city today, from the churches they founded to their contributions to banking and lawmaking. Although their order was eventually disbanded by Pope Clement V in 1307, their legacy still lives on in modern-day London.
The End of the Knights Templar in London
The Knights Templar was a religious military order founded in 1119. Originally, their primary purpose was to protect Christian pilgrims on their journey to the Holy Land. However, over time, they evolved into a powerful financial and political force in Europe. By the 1300s, they had established a major presence in London, where they owned several properties and had significant influence.
Unfortunately, by 1308, the Knights Templar were already beginning to face difficulties. King Philip IV of France had become increasingly hostile towards them and accused them of various heresies. This culminated in 1307 when the King arrested all of the Knights Templar in France and seized their property.
In response to these events, Edward II of England declared that all Templars in England were free from prosecution and could continue their activities there without fear of punishment. However, this decision did not last long as the Pope eventually intervened and declared that all Templars throughout Europe should be arrested.
In 1312, Edward II reluctantly issued an order for the arrest of all Templars in England. Subsequently, many were taken into custody and some were even put on trial for heresy. In 1313, after several years of legal proceedings against them, Pope Clement V officially disbanded the Order of Knights Templar throughout Europe.
As a result, any remaining Templars who were still in London at this time had no choice but to go into hiding or flee the city altogether. Although some managed to escape abroad, many chose to stay hidden within London itself so that they could continue their activities without detection from authorities or enemies alike.
Eventually though, as time passed by and new generations grew up with no knowledge of what had happened before them; it became increasingly difficult for those who remained hidden to stay that way forever. Eventually it became clear that there was no longer any real chance for the Knights Templar to revive themselves as a presence in London or elsewhere and thus it marked ‘The End of The Knights Templar’ in London forevermore.
The Role of the Knights Templar in Medieval Society
The Knights Templar were an influential religious order during the Middle Ages. They were founded in 1119 CE and went on to become one of the most powerful forces in medieval Europe. The Knights Templar served as both an elite military force and a spiritual organization devoted to protecting pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. They also provided vital economic and financial support to various Christian Kingdoms throughout Europe.
The Knights Templar were renowned for their bravery, loyalty, and devotion to their faith. They were known for their strict code of conduct which included rules such as chastity, poverty, obedience, and humility. Their primary purpose was to defend Christian pilgrims who travelled to the Holy Land from attack by Muslim forces. To this end, they often engaged in fierce battles with enemies of Christianity.
In addition to military service, the Knights Templar also provided various forms of aid and assistance to those in need. They established hospitals, schools, and other charitable institutions throughout Europe which provided relief to those suffering from poverty or illness. Furthermore, they served as bankers for many nobles and rulers throughout Europe, providing loans and other financial services which allowed rulers to finance military campaigns or other projects.
The Knights Templar also played a key role in advancing religious knowledge throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. They established libraries filled with manuscripts containing valuable information about theology, philosophy, history, and other topics that helped further intellectual pursuits during this time period. Furthermore, they served as teachers who shared their knowledge with students across Europe through lectures or personal tutoring sessions.
Overall, the Knights Templar played an important role in medieval society by providing valuable military protection for pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land as well as providing economic stability through banking services and charitable works like hospitals or schools that helped those less fortunate in society. Furthermore, their dedication towards advancing religious knowledge through manuscripts or lectures allowed them to have a major influence on intellectual pursuits during this time period as well.
Notable Locations Associated with the Knights Templar in London
The Knights Templar was an order of Christian warriors during the Crusades and their presence in London was significant. They were among the most powerful and feared military orders of that time, and as such, a number of notable locations associated with the Templars remain in London.
One such location is Temple Church, located on Fleet Street. It was built by the Templars in 1185 and is one of the oldest churches in London. The church is a round structure, which is said to be based on the design of the Church of Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, which was one of the most important sites for early Christians.
Another notable location associated with the Templars is New Temple Inn on Chancery Lane. This building was first established by the Templars as their London headquarters in 1235. It later became a public inn and remained open until 1537 when it was closed down due to Henry VIII’s dissolution of monasteries act.
Therefore, there is also a small pocket park located near Blackfriar’s Bridge that bears reference to the Templars’ presence in London. This park contains some sculptures depicting Templar knights as well as a plaque containing information about their history in London. This park serves as a reminder of both the power and influence wielded by this order during its time in London.
The Legacy of the Knights Templar in London
The Knights Templar were an influential crusading order of knights during the medieval period. Founded in 1118, the Templars were a religious and military order that protected Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. They were renowned for their courage, martial prowess and religious devotion, and over time they became an influential political and economic force in Europe. Despite their wealth and power, the Templars eventually fell out of favour with the Church and were disbanded in 1312. However, their legacy lives on in many parts of Europe, particularly in London.
London has a rich history of associations with the Templars, with several buildings that are believed to have once been associated with them. The Temple Church, located near Fleet Street, is said to have been founded by the Templars in 1185 as a temple dedicated to St Mary and St John the Baptist. The church was used by them as a headquarters for many years and is still owned by two of the Templar’s successor organisations – The Inner Temple and Middle Temple – which are two of London’s four Inns of Court.
The area around Fleet Street is also home to other historical sites associated with the Templars such as St Clement Danes Church (built on the site of an earlier Templar-linked church) and Chancery Lane which was once part of a larger Templar estate known as ‘The New Temple’ or ‘Temple Bar’.
In addition to these buildings there are numerous other sites across London that are linked to the Templars including The Middle Temple Hall which was built between 1562-1573 on land acquired from one of Henry VIII’s advisors who had previously been a member of the Knights Templar; Lincoln’s Inn Fields which was once part of a large Templar estate; Whitefriar Street where there is said to be an underground passage leading from The Middle Temple Hall; as well as several smaller sites such as churches, inns and pubs associated with them.
The legacy of the Knights Templar continues to live on today through these historical sites scattered across London. In addition to providing insight into this fascinating period in history, these sites also serve as reminders that even though they may have gone extinct centuries ago, their spirit lives on through their legacy which can still be seen today.
Last Thoughts
The Knights Templar have had a fascinating and mysterious history in London, from their beginnings in the twelfth century to their eventual dissolution in 1312. They were a powerful force in London and the surrounding area, leaving behind an impressive legacy of architecture and monuments. Although they are now long gone, their memory is still alive in many places around London, as well as being commemorated by various organisations. The Knights Templar were an important part of London’s history and continue to be celebrated by many people today.
The Knights Templar may have left London centuries ago, but their impact on the city remains. From the many memorials dedicated to them, to the numerous accounts of their heroic deeds, it is clear that they made a lasting impression on the inhabitants of this great city. Whether you are interested in military history or simply looking for a good story, learning more about the Knights Templar is sure to give you plenty of fascinating insight into one of London’s most fascinating periods.
Esoteric Masons is part of the USA Masons.