Brief history of the Knights Templar

Soon the Templars' financial activities developed beyond the requirements of pilgrims, and they gained even greater wealth and influence. Eventually they attracted enemies envious of their wealth, and became persecuted and accused of heresy.

In 1312 the order was abolished. The French King, Philip IV, seized most of the wealth of the order, whilst their land passed to the Knights of St John, also called the Knights Hospitaller, an order which primarily cared for the sick.

Many of the properties once owned by The Knights Templar can still be seen in many parts of South West France today.From these origins came the St Johns Ambulance and the Masonic Lodges of today.

« back