In Search of the Knights Templar: A Guide to the Sites in Britain

by Simon Brighton

For 200 years the Knights Templar held sway over an area ranging from Britain to Jerusalem—until their influence began to threaten France’s Phillip IV and the papacy itself. Destroyed by Phillip in 1314, the order disappeared into history, but they left a rich and varied legacy throughout the British Isles, from London’s Temple Church and the Great Wilbraham Perceptory to Lundy Island. More than 180 color and black-and-white photographs help tell the story of every significant British site of Templar activity, backed by authoritative text that reveals the history and notable architectural details of each. Addresses, directions, and even visiting hours for official or protected sites are also provided.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Education, Research

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a gift when it was first published.

It is a fascinating look at the Templar strongholds and their historic sites of activity throughout England.

It is filled with photographs of the Templar strongholds, castles, and chaples. Some are still in excellent condition.

Their strange sculptures carved into the interiors stonework and esoteric symbols are still a mystery in most cases.

I still open it many times as a favorite.

I had thought that I would see them myself one day, but that is something on a bucket list that will never happen.

[Jody A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book which can work for research as well as travellog in the UK of Templar sites. The author provides both historical informaton and practical information on how to access the sites. Wlll be using this one on my trip to UK this month.

[Craig Bryant · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fairly well written and informative. Slightly repetitive and derivative but worth the read. Definitely useful if you're interested in doing a slightly different type of tour of Britain (the repetition would be particularly useful for this).

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the information contained in this book. The pictures were beautiful.

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading Dan Browns novels I became interested in the Knights Templar. I bought this book because I thought it would give me more knowledge of the group and I was interested in finding out about some of the Templar's sites. What I liked about this book was the photography from the sites and the section on the Royston Cave. What I felt was missing was a general map of the areas covered with the sites marked on it, that way you could see where the sites were in relation to the others. I also would have liked to have found out about more Templar lore.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

c2006. Recommended from Amazon (I think!) Great pictures and succinct information. To my mind, more ilustrative of the general period as opposed to the Templars themselves. Some nice bits of unknown info though. As ever, with this group of people, a lot of "thought to be"s and "sugggestive of".

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

This attractive, general-interest book is full of magical legends, rumors, and free-association ponderings regarding the Templars in Britain. Useful as a gazetteer, but not recommended for those seeking a scholarly introduction to the Templars.

[Shockwave · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this as a present, and it's been good to have a look to see if there are any interesting Templar sites in my future travels

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful insight to these ancient sites scattered throughout Britain. Makes me want to learn more about the Knights.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read on the history of the Knights Templar. Awesome pictures of their castles!