



TEMPLAR KNIGHT LINKS
The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, mainly known as the Knights Templar, was a military order of the Catholic faith, and one of the most important military orders in Western Christianity. They were founded in 1118 to defend pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem, with their headquarters located there on the Temple Mount, and existed for nearly two centuries during the Middle Ages.Officially endorsed by the Catholic Church by such decrees as the papal bull Omne datum optimum of Pope Innocent II, the Templars became a favoured charity throughout Christendom and grew rapidly in membership and power. The Templar knights, in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross, were among the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades. They were prominent in Christian finance; non-combatant members of the order, who mady developed innovative financial techniques that were an early form of banking, building a network of nearly 1,000 commanderies and fortifications across Europe and the Holy Land.
The Templars were closely tied to the Crusades. As they became unable to secure their holdings in the Holy Land, support for the order faded. In 1307, King Philip IV of France had many of the order's members in France arrested, tortured into giving false confessions, and then burned at the stake Under pressure, Pope Clement V disbanded the order in 1312. In spite of its dissolution, however, between 1317-1319, a number of Templar knights, properties and other assets were absorbed within the Portuguese Order of Christ, and the Spanish Order of Montesa;[14] the abrupt disappearance of this major medieval European institution in its original incarnation gave rise to speculation and legends, which have currently kept the "Templar" name alive in self-styled orders and popular culture.


The Order of the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon - The Knights Templar
Ordo Pauperum Commilitum Christi et Templi Solomonis, Equites Templi
Upholding the ageless ideals of Chivalry and Christian religious commitment and protection, Crusade historical research, and fighting today's enemies of society, namely disease and social distress, through charitable efforts and fundraising.
Embodying chivalry, honour, sacrifice, and duty, the Knights Templar stand as paragons of valor and devotion, guided by their unwavering faith.
But who exactly are the Knights Templar?
Take a captivating journey through the history of the Knights Templar, filled with legends, adventures, myths and of course, the iconic red cross.
In 1128, Pope Honorius II gave the Knights Templar the Cistercians white mantle, adorned with a red cross. Later, in 1147, Pope Eugenius III sanctioned the use of the “Eight-Pointed Cross,” a symbol that has endured through the ages.





Templar Sites in England
November 30, 2024
While nt as rich in Templar sites as France, England has many places closely connected to the Order and well worth a visit:
London Temple Church-The Temple Church (above) is a late-12th-century church in London located between Fleet Street and the River Thames, built for and by the Knights Templar as their English headquarters. In modern times, two Inns of Court (Inner Temple and Middle Temple) both use the church. It is famous for its effigy tombs of Templar knights and for being a round church. It was heavily damaged during the Second World War but has been largely restored. The area around the Temple Church is known as the Temple and nearby is Temple Bar and Temple tube station.

Welcome to the Knights Templar “OSMTJ Grand Priory of America” (OSMTJ = Ordre Souverain et Militaire du Temple de Jérusalem). The Knights Templar are a Christian (Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox) fraternal and chivalric Order. Our Order has no Masonic or political affiliations. We are ecumenical meaning we are not affiliated with any single Christian denomination but represent all of Christendom.
We are part of a world-wide organization for the fellowship and networking of like-minded individuals. Our Order is organized Internationally under the “Ordre Souverain et Militaire du Temple de Jérusalem” (OSMTJ), which is found at OSMTJ.net. Each Grand Priory translates this into their own language. For example, the Peruvian Priory translates it as “Orden Soberana y Militar del Temple de Jerusalem”.



Welcome to the Grand Priory of England & Wales Website.
We are dedicated to exploring the rich history, values, and traditions of the Knights Templar, an ancient order known for its chivalry, courage, and unwavering commitment to service. At the heart of our mission lies a deep commitment to charity, embodying the Templar spirit of helping those in need.
We believe in making a positive impact on our communities through various charitable initiatives, supporting both local and global causes. Our website provides information on our commitment to charity and various journeys taken by members to explore and gain deeper insights into the Templar legacy.
Join us as we delve into the stories and ideals that inspire generations, fostering a spirit of brotherhood, compassion, and philanthropy.


The Order of the Australian Templar Knights
Established 1796 with the prerogative to continue the idea and values of the Medieval Knighthood and uphold the continuation of the Templar Knights as such. We continue the Rules and Regulations and most important we uphold the truth. As Australia is multicultural so are we. We have members with a variety of European backgrounds, such as German, Polish, ‘Yugoslav’ and Roma.


Best Known Knight Templar Churches In Italy
History of the Knights Templar, Knights Templar Historical Sites, Knights Templar
Italy, a country adorned with a rich and extensive history, hosts a wealth of cultural and architectural treasures from various eras, amongst which the Knight Templar Churches hold a special place. These sacred temples, filled with mystery and reverence, showcase the significant role of the Templars, a medieval Catholic military order, in Italy. Their notable presence in Italy can be witnessed through these magnificent architectural structures scattered throughout the country. The known Knight Templar churches in Italy offer a deep dive into the intriguing history of the order, their religious practices, and the part they played in shaping medieval Italy.


Tracking the Mysterious Templars
The Knights Templars continue to intrigue more than 900 years after their founding in Jerusalem in either 1118 or 1119.
The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon to give the Templars their full name still inspire books, video games and movies on their esoteric past.
Steeped in mystery, the Order is believed to have influenced the Freemasons, who adopted Templar symbols and their initiation ceremony and even the temperance movement, based on the belief the early Templars abstained from alcohol.
The Templars first came to Portugal in the 12th century to help the new nation in its fight against the Islamic presence in Iberia known as the Reconquista. They first participated in the siege and fall of Santarém to Afonso Henriques in 1147 and later that year in the capture of Lisbon. As a reward Portugal's new king began to give them lands and property.


