Knights Templar: Their History, Myths, and Modern Legacy

You’ve probably seen the white mantles and red crosses in movies, but the real story of the Knights Templar is far more grounded—and in many ways stranger: founded in 1119 to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land, they rose to become medieval Europe’s most powerful banking network, only to be crushed in a single week of arrests. This article separates the historical facts from the Hollywood myths, with a special focus on the Templars’ lasting footprint in the UK.

Founded: 1119 · Dissolved: 1312 · Peak membership: ~20,000 · Original purpose: Protect pilgrims in the Holy Land · Notable leader: Jacques de Molay

The table below summarises key data about the order.

Are Knights Templar good or bad?

What positive contributions did the Templars make?

• They protected Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, a dangerous journey at the time (Middle Temple official archive).
• They developed an early form of banking, allowing pilgrims to deposit money in Europe and withdraw it in the Holy Land (BBC Travel).
• They built fortified churches and round churches, including the Temple Church in London (English Heritage).

What were the accusations against them?

• In 1307 King Philip IV of France accused them of heresy, idolatry, and corruption, leading to mass arrests (Middle Temple official archive).
• Many Templars confessed under torture to spitting on the cross and worshipping a head (History Hit).
• The Pope dissolved the order in 1312 without finding them guilty of heresy – the suppression was largely political and financial (Middle Temple official archive).

The implication: the Templars’ reputation hinges entirely on whether you judge them by medieval Christian ideals or modern ethics.

Who are the Knights Templar in the UK?

Were there any English Knights Templar?

• Yes. The order had a major presence in England. Grand Master Hugh de Payns first visited in 1128 to recruit men and raise funds (Wikipedia – corroborated by multiple sources).
• They built Temple Church in London, consecrated on 10 February 1185 (Wikipedia).
• The Templars also established a round church in Bristol (now Temple Church, Bristol) in the 12th century (English Heritage).
• The English Templars acquired property in many towns, developing new markets and urban settlements (Cambridge University Press / Urban History).

What were the Templars called before?

Their original name was the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (Middle Temple official archive). The nickname “Knights Templar” came from their headquarters on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

What this means: the UK contains some of the best‑preserved Templar architecture, and the legal inns of Inner Temple and Middle Temple still occupy the land they once controlled.

Are Knights Templar still active?

Can I become a Templar today?

Yes – but not in the medieval sense. The original order was dissolved in 1312, and no group today is its direct continuation. However, several modern fraternal organisations, such as the Knights Templar International, claim symbolic succession and accept new members.

• Many require a statement of Christian faith and a fee.
• Some groups are linked to Freemasonry; others are independent.
• No modern group holds the military or banking power of the original order.

Are there knights Templars in the UK today?

• Several modern Templar-style organisations operate in the UK, but they are not official descendants (BBC Travel).
• The Temple Church in London remains in use by the Inner and Middle Temples, two of the four Inns of Court (Temple Church official site).

The trade-off: you can join a group that claims the Templar heritage, but you’ll never hold the same authority or wealth.

What’s the difference between Knights Templar and Freemasons?

Three dimensions, one contrast: the Templars were a medieval military order; Freemasons are a modern fraternal society with symbolic Templar imagery.

What is the historical connection between Templars and Freemasons?

There is no direct historical lineage. The myth that Templar survivors fled to Scotland and founded Freemasonry appeared in the 1700s, but no credible evidence supports it (BBC Travel). Modern Freemasonry adopted Templar symbolism (the cross, the temple) for its allegorical degrees, but the two organisations were fundamentally different.

The distinction is clear: historical Templars and modern Masons share symbolism but not lineage.

Who is the most famous Templar?

What is the Knights Templar motto?

The traditional motto is Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed nomini tuo da gloriam (“Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory”) (Wikipedia). However, this phrase was popularised later and may not have been the original battle cry.

What surnames are associated with the Knights Templar?

• Jacques de Molay (last Grand Master)
• Hugues de Payns (first Grand Master)
• Godfrey de Saint‑Amand (early Grand Master)
• English names: William de la More (last English Master) and others appear in records (Cambridge University Press).

What is the rule of 72 in the Knights Templar?

The “rule of 72” is a modern myth. Some online sources claim the Templars had a 72‑chapter rule, but historical evidence points to the Latin Rule written by Bernard of Clairvaux, which had 72 clauses – not a sacred number (History Hit). The number 72 later became linked to Templar mysticism through pseudo‑historical writings.

The pattern: the most famous “Templar” teachings are often inventions from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Knights Templar vs Freemasons – A Deeper Comparison

We’ve already covered the main differences. The table below captures the critical contrast for UK readers interested in joining either tradition.

The comparison underscores the fundamental differences between the medieval order and the modern fraternity.

Upsides and Downsides of Templar Fascination

Understanding these upsides and downsides helps readers approach Templar history with critical perspective.

How to Become a Templar Today (Step by Step)

1. Research genuine modern Templar groups. Look for organisations that are transparent about their origins and do not claim direct descent from the medieval order. Examples include the Knights Templar International and some Masonic degrees (BBC Travel).
2. Check membership requirements. Most require a statement of Christian faith and a minimum age (usually 18). Some require a sponsor who is already a member.
3. Attend an open event or talk. Many groups hold public open days or lectures about Templar history.
4. Submit an application and pay fees. Expect initiation fees from £50 to several hundred pounds, plus annual dues.
5. Take part in ceremonies. Modern Templar groups have rituals inspired by the medieval order, but with modern modifications.

These steps provide a practical pathway for those interested in modern Templar groups.

Knights Templar Timeline

This timeline highlights key events in the order’s rise and fall.

Confirmed Facts vs Unclear Claims

Confirmed facts

• The Templars were a medieval Catholic military order (Middle Temple)
• They were dissolved in 1312 (History Hit)
• They held lands in England, including Temple Church (BBC Travel)

What’s unclear

• Exact origins of the “rule of 72” (History Hit)
• Whether modern Freemasons have any direct descent from Templars (BBC Travel)
• Fate of the Templar treasure (History Hit)

Separating confirmed facts from unclear claims is essential for a balanced understanding.

Expert Perspectives

The Templars were widely described as both powerful and wealthy in medieval Christendom. Their banking network allowed pilgrims to deposit money in Europe and withdraw it in the Holy Land.

– BBC Travel (Source)

The Templars founded a monastic church in Bristol in the 12th century. After the order was closed in the 1310s, the round church was rebuilt as a conventional rectangular church.

– English Heritage (Source)

These expert perspectives ground the discussion in reliable sources.

What This Means for You

The Knights Templar are not a secret society still running the world, nor are they entirely benign medieval monks. They were products of their time – ruthless when necessary, innovative in finance and architecture, and ultimately crushed by the very political forces they served. For UK readers interested in history, the physical remains (Temple Church, Bristol Temple, the Inns of Court) offer a direct link to a past that is both gritty and grand. For those tempted by modern revival groups, the choice is clear: enjoy the symbolism and fellowship, but don’t mistake it for historical succession – or you’ll be paying for a myth. Elizabeth II: Full Biography, Facts, Family & Reign shows how even modern institutions can be shaped by historical echoes.

Frequently asked questions