The Knights Templar Renfrewshire is an organization that is dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Knights Templar. The organization is based in Renfrewshire, Scotland and was founded in 2008. It is a non-profit organization that seeks to serve as a resource for those interested in learning about the Templars, their history, and their impact on the world today. The organization hosts various events throughout the year, including lectures, tours, and exhibitions. They also work with local groups and organizations to promote education about the Templars and to support those who wish to join or form their own Order of the Temple. The Knights Templar Renfrewshire believe strongly in honoring the values of chivalry, honor, integrity, and piety that were upheld by the original Knights Templar. The Knights Templar began their presence in Renfrewshire, Scotland in 1118. They were a religious order of knights responsible for protecting pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land and protecting the relics and holy sites associated with Christianity. In 1150 they founded their first preceptory in Scotland at the site of Templehouse, Renfrewshire. This was followed by five other preceptories in Renfrewshire over the years, making it the largest concentration of Templar sites in Scotland. The most prominent of these was at Torphichen, where the Order had a great house, two churches, workshops and a cemetery. The Templars remained active in Renfrewshire until their suppression by King Philip IV of France in 1312 and all six of their preceptories were seized and sold off. Today there are still some visible remains from this period such as marked stones at Torphichen as well as archaeological excavations which have revealed more about how these ancient knights lived.
The Role of the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire
The Knights Templar were a highly influential and powerful group during the Middle Ages. They were established in 1128 as a monastic order, and their purpose was to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. During their time in Renfrewshire, they were influential in politics, economics, and warfare.
The first presence of the Templars in Renfrewshire was during the reign of King David I, when they were granted land near Paisley Abbey by him in 1146. This land was used for agricultural purposes and provided income for the Templars from rents paid by local tenants. The Templars also had a major role in defending Scotland against English invasions. They assisted William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297, and fought alongside Robert Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314.
The Templars had an enormous impact on the economy of Renfrewshire as well. They built mills and fisheries which provided employment for local people, and they also operated markets where goods could be bought or sold. In addition to this, they introduced new crops such as oats which increased food supplies throughout Scotland. As a result of these activities, the Templars helped to stimulate economic growth in Renfrewshire during this period.
Furthermore, the Knights Templar had a significant role to play in politics during their time in Renfrewshire. They established close ties with local nobles and clergymen who consulted them on important matters such as taxation and military strategy. As a result of these connections, the Templars wielded considerable influence over political decisions within Renfrewshire during this period.
In reflection, it is clear that the Knights Templar played an important role in Renfrewshire during the Middle Ages. They defended Scotland against English invasions, stimulated economic growth through their agricultural activities and markets, and wielded considerable influence over political decisions within the region through their connections with local nobles and clergymen. Their legacy is still felt today with many places around Renfrewshire named after them or bearing references to them – such as Templeland near Paisley Abbey – reminding us of their importance to this region during medieval times.
Knights Templar in Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire has a long and interesting history with the Knights Templar. The Order of the Knights Templar was founded in 1118 and had a strong presence in Scotland, particularly in Renfrewshire. There are several sites of interest related to the Knights Templar in the area, including Paisley Abbey, which was founded by the Templars. Other sites include Pollok House and Torranyard Castle.
Paisley Abbey
Paisley Abbey is one of the most important sites related to the Templars in Renfrewshire. It was established by Walter Fitzalan, High Steward of Scotland, who was also a member of the Order. The abbey was built around 1163 and is now an historic site open to visitors. It houses a museum which gives an insight into the history of the Templars and their influence on Scotland.
Pollok House
Pollok House is another site related to the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire. Located near Glasgow, it is a historic house which dates back to 1752 and belonged to several prominent families over the centuries, including the Maxwells who were associated with nearby Torranyard Castle. The house has extensive grounds which include an old chapel believed to have been built by Templars during their time in Scotland.
Torranyard Castle
Torranyard Castle is situated near Pollok House and was once owned by Sir John Maxwell, an early member of the Order of Knights Templar. The castle dates back to at least 1298 when it was mentioned in records relating to Robert de Brus, Lord of Annandale. Although much of it has been destroyed over time, there are still some remains visible today which give an insight into its past links with the Templars.
Robert the Bruce
One of the most famous people associated with the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire is Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329. He was an important member of the Order and was a major patron of the Templars in Scotland. He was responsible for granting them land and privileges throughout his kingdom, including in Renfrewshire. He also granted them certain rights to build churches and other religious buildings on their lands. In addition, he provided them with financial assistance and protection from external threats.
Walter Stewart
Another famous person associated with the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire is Walter Stewart, Earl of Menteith. He was a close ally of Robert the Bruce and a key figure in supporting him during his reign. Walter was also an important leader within the Order and helped to spread their influence throughout Scotland. He was instrumental in helping them obtain lands throughout Renfrewshire and provided them with military support during times of need. He also helped to raise funds for their numerous charitable works.
Archibald Douglas
Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas, is another famous figure associated with the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire. A prominent nobleman, Archibald was a staunch supporter of Robert the Bruce and became one of his closest advisors during his reign. As such, he was involved in many decisions related to the Order’s activities in Scotland. In particular, he supported their efforts to expand their presence into Renfrewshire by granting them additional lands and privileges as well as providing military assistance when needed.
James Douglas
James Douglas, Lord High Constable of Scotland, is yet another notable figure associated with the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire. A trusted advisor to Robert the Bruce, James served as an important military leader for both him and for his son David II during their respective reigns. As such, he played an important role in securing lands for the Order throughout Scotland, including those within Renfrewshire.
Achievements of the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire
The Knights Templar were a religious military order of knights that were established in the 12th century. They were active throughout Europe and had a significant presence in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The Knights Templar had a profound impact on the area and are remembered for their achievements in building, education, commerce and more.
One of their main achievements was the construction of many churches and castles. In Renfrewshire, they built settlements such as Cardross Castle (now a ruin), Polnoon Castle (now a ruin) and Loudoun Castle (now a theme park). They also built several churches including St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley and St Mary’s Church in Lochwinnoch.
The Knights Templar also played an important role in education. They established schools throughout Renfrewshire which provided young people with access to learning opportunities that they would not have had before. These schools taught subjects such as Latin, literature, science, mathematics, music, history and geography.
The Knights Templar also had an important role to play in trade and commerce. They set up trading networks which helped to increase prosperity in Renfrewshire by connecting it to other parts of Europe. This encouraged more people to settle in the area and helped to boost its economy.
In addition to their work on education and trade, the Knights Templar also provided much needed support for those living in poverty or who were suffering from illness or injury. They set up hospitals which provided medical care for those who could not afford it elsewhere. This was an invaluable service for those living in the area at the time.
Overall, the Knights Templar made a significant contribution to Renfrewshire during their time there. From constructing churches and castles to providing education and medical care for those who needed it most, their legacy is still felt today and remembered with pride by many people living here today.
Religion and Beliefs Connected to the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire
The Knights Templar were a religious order of knights founded in 1119 in Jerusalem, dedicated to protecting Christian pilgrims on their journey to the Holy Land. The Order of the Temple was a military, religious, and monastic order of knighthood whose members were sworn to protect Christian pilgrims and defend the faith against enemies. In Renfrewshire, Scotland, remnants of the Knights Templar can still be found today.
The Knights Templar had a strong presence in Scotland during the Middle Ages and were very influential in Renfrewshire. In particular, they built several castles and monasteries throughout the area that are still visible today. The most notable are Paisley Abbey, Kilwinning Abbey and Cardross Castle. These sites have been preserved as historical monuments and are regularly visited by tourists.
The beliefs of the Knights Templar have also been preserved through their legacy in Renfrewshire. They believed that Christianity was a religion of peace and justice that should be defended against all enemies. They also had strict rules for its members such as no drinking or gambling, as well as a strong sense of moral duty and loyalty towards their fellow knights. This code was based on their belief that they were servants of God who must serve others before themselves.
The most important symbol associated with the Knights Templar is the cross which is worn by all members as an emblem of their faith and dedication to Christianity. The cross is highly visible throughout Renfrewshire with many churches displaying it prominently on their walls or windowsills as a reminder of their historical legacy.
Today, there is still a strong connection between religion and the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire with many churches hosting events related to them such as re-enactments or lectures about the Order’s history. There are also numerous societies dedicated to preserving its memory such as The Grand Order Of The Temple Of Scotland which holds regular meetings for its members throughout Scotland including one in Paisley every year on Ascension Day (the 40th day after Easter).
In reflection, although much time has passed since their founding days in 1119, remnants of religion and beliefs connected to the Knights Templar can still be found throughout Renfrewshire today which serves as an important reminder of their legacy and impact on Scottish history.
Culture and Traditions Influenced by the Knights Templar in Renfrewshire
The Knights Templar is an order of Christian knights that played a major role in the Crusades in the 12th century. The Templars were influential in many aspects of medieval life, including culture and traditions in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The region was heavily influenced by the Templars during their time and still retains some of their customs to this day.
The Templars had a strong presence in Renfrewshire during the 12th century and left behind an important legacy. In particular, they had an impact on local architecture, with many churches and other buildings being constructed based on Templar designs. These buildings are still standing today and serve as reminders of the Templars’ influence on the area.
The Templars also had an influence on local language, with many words still being used today that originated from them. For example, the word “paisley” is derived from a Latin phrase used by the Templars to refer to their headquarters in Paisley, Scotland. Similarly, other words such as “templar” (the name of a type of knight) and “crest” (a symbol used to indicate nobility) are also derived from Latin roots used by the Templars during their time in Renfrewshire.
The Templar presence also extended to local customs and traditions. For example, it is believed that they brought with them a tradition known as “knighting”, which involves bestowing knighthood upon individuals who have performed exceptional acts of bravery or service to their community. This tradition is still practiced today in some parts of Renfrewshire.
Therefore, it is believed that the Templars brought with them a particular style of dress which was adopted by locals during their time there. This style includes long tunics with wide belts or sashes around the waist and pointed hats similar to those worn by modern-day jesters or clowns. The style has been adapted over time but it is still recognizable today as a relic of Templar culture in Renfrewshire.
In reflection, it is clear that the Knights Templar had a significant influence on culture and traditions in Renfrewshire during their time there. From architecture to language to customs and dress styles, they left behind a lasting legacy which can still be seen today throughout Renfrewshire and beyond.
The Relationship between the Knights Templar and Scotland’s Crown
The Knights Templar were a medieval military order that was founded in 1119 to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land. The Order grew in power and influence, eventually becoming one of the most powerful religious and political forces in Europe. For centuries, the Templars were closely associated with Scotland and its crown.
The Order had strong ties to Scotland’s ruling dynasties, and many of its members were prominent figures in Scottish society. The Templars provided invaluable military support to the kings of Scotland during their campaigns against England, and several members of the Order held positions in Scotland’s government.
The Templars also had a strong presence in Scotland’s religious life. They built several churches and abbeys throughout the country, including Rosslyn Chapel near Edinburgh. The chapel is said to contain many secrets related to Freemasonry, the Knights Templar, and even possibly the Holy Grail.
Scotland’s crown also benefited from its relationship with the Templars financially. The Order was wealthy due to its land holdings throughout Europe, and it is believed that much of their wealth flowed into Scotland through donations or investments from members of the Order. This money helped fund major projects such as building castles or other fortifications, which strengthened Scotland’s defences against England.
The relationship between the Knights Templar and Scotland’s crown lasted until 1307 when King Philip IV of France ordered all Templars arrested for heresy. The Order was disbanded soon afterwards, although some claim that some members escaped to Scotland where they lived out their days in secrecy. To this day, many people still believe that there is a connection between these mysterious knights and Scotland’s royal family.
Last Thoughts
The Knights Templar Renfrewshire have had a unique and fascinating history that has spanned nearly 800 years. Their influence can still be seen today in the many churches and buildings that remain in the area. The Order of the Temple has had a significant impact on the development of Scotland, and the legacy of their presence can still be felt today. The Knights Templar have left an indelible mark on Scotland’s history, culture, and identity.
The Templars have been celebrated for their courage, devotion, and commitment to Christian values. They were an important part of Scotland’s intellectual life during the Middle Ages and their legacy should not be forgotten.
The Knights Templar Renfrewshire have played an important role in the history of Scotland, and their legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
The Order of the Temple was a powerful force in Scotland’s religious life for centuries, and they remain an integral part of our country’s heritage today. They were a unique group of brave warriors who faced incredible odds with courage and conviction, and we are fortunate to still have remnants of their presence among us today.
Esoteric Masons is part of the Masons, Cheshire.