The Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire) is a chapter of the international Christian chivalric order, the Knights Templar. Founded in the 13th century, the Knights Templar are a Catholic military order dedicated to protecting pilgrims on their journeys to Jerusalem. The Angus chapter was formed in 1976 and is based in Forfar, Scotland. The members of this chapter are committed to upholding the mission of the original Knights Templar and promoting Christian values and culture. They host events throughout the year, such as parades and pageants, which celebrate Scottish heritage and promote Christian values. The Angus chapter also supports charities that promote education, health care and poverty relief projects around the world.The Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire) is a local history group founded in 2003. The group was the first of its kind in Scotland and was set up to research, promote and celebrate the history of the Knights Templar in Angus, Forfarshire. The group regularly hosts lectures, field trips and other events to further their mission, including an annual pilgrimage to the Temple at Carsebreck, a notable site associated with the Templars. They also maintain a website and provide research services for those wishing to learn more about the history of Templars in Angus. The group is affiliated with the Grand Priory of Scotland, an international association dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage of the Knights Templar throughout Scotland and across Europe.
The Origin of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar, also known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon, were a Catholic military order founded in 1119 AD by a group of crusaders from around Europe. The Templars were formed to protect Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land during the Crusades. In addition, they were charged with safeguarding the holy sites associated with Jesus’ life. Although their mission began in Jerusalem, over time they expanded their influence throughout Europe and the Mediterranean region.
The order was based on a vow of poverty and chastity, and its members took an oath of obedience to their leader, the Grand Master. While some Knights Templar had noble backgrounds, most were ordinary men who joined in search of adventure and spiritual fulfillment. Many knights left behind their families to join this monastic order.
The Order was officially disbanded by Pope Clement V in 1312 AD after allegations of heresy and corruption surfaced. Despite this, many members of the Order continued to exist as a secret society known as “freemasons” or “Templars” for centuries afterwards.
Angus (Forfarshire)
Angus (Forfarshire) is located on Scotland’s eastern coast and historically has been home to many Knights Templar sites. This area was an important center for pilgrimage during medieval times and it is believed that a number of knights settled here after returning from fighting in the Holy Land during the Crusades.
In Angus (Forfarshire), there are several churches which have connections to the Templars including St Mary’s Church in Arbroath which was founded in 1178AD by William de St Clair who was a prominent Templar knight. In addition, there are several other churches that display signs or symbols associated with Templar heritage such as Rossie Priory near Forfar which features carvings depicting knights on horseback as well as other symbols related to templarism. Furthermore, there are numerous castles throughout Angus (Forfarshire) that have been linked with Templars such as Edzell Castle near Forfar which is thought to have been built by members of the Knight’s Templar Order in 1210 AD.
The Early Days of the Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire)
The Knights Templar began in the 12th century with a small group of pious and dedicated men, determined to protect pilgrims making their way to Jerusalem. These noble knights were among the first crusaders and soon established an order known as the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon. The Order was based in Angus (Forfarshire) for over a century, during which time they built numerous castles and monasteries throughout Scotland.
The Templars’ influence in Angus was considerable, with many churches and abbeys being established by them. In fact, it is believed that their presence helped to provide stability to an area which had seen much turmoil in recent years. The Templars also provided protection for pilgrims travelling through Scotland on their way to the Holy Land.
The Order was highly respected by both local people and rulers alike, with many powerful individuals giving generous donations to help fund their work. This included King Robert I of Scotland who donated land near Dundee for the construction of a Templar Preceptory – one of only three such establishments in Scotland at that time.
The Templars were well organised and disciplined, ensuring that they were able to maintain their influence over a wide area. They also had access to significant financial resources which allowed them to build impressive castles and other fortifications throughout Scotland. However, this did not last forever as the Order eventually fell into decline due to increasing political pressure from Rome and other European powers.
Despite this decline, the legacy of the Knights Templar in Angus remains strong today with numerous sites still visible throughout Forfarshire. These include large castles such as Glamis Castle – believed to have been built by Robert I – as well as smaller abbeys such as Arbroath Abbey which was originally founded by William de St Clair, Grand Master of the Templars for Scotland during the 13th century.
Today these sites serve as reminders of an important period in Scottish history when brave knights risked everything in order to protect pilgrims making their way across Europe on a journey towards Jerusalem’s sacred sites. The legacy of these noble knights lives on in Angus even today.
Role of the Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire)
The Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire) were a religious military order that operated in Scotland from the twelfth century onwards. They were established by King David I of Scotland, who gave them land grants and privileges in order to protect and defend the kingdom. The Templars were a highly disciplined and well-funded organization with a strong sense of loyalty and service to their king. Their main purpose was to provide protection for pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem, as well as other holy sites in the Holy Land.
The Knights Templar Angus played an important role in defending Scotland from foreign invasions and internal conflicts. They built numerous castles throughout Scotland which served as strongholds against invaders and acted as centres for training new recruits. The Order also provided troops for Scottish armies when they needed additional support. In addition, they also provided financial assistance to those in need, such as poor farmers or those suffering from famine or disease.
The Templars also had an important spiritual role within the Scottish Church. They were responsible for ensuring that churches remained open for prayer and worship, while also providing pastoral care for those who sought it. They were particularly active during the Crusades, where they fought alongside other European knights against Muslim forces in the Middle East, protecting Christian pilgrims on their journey back to Europe.
Moreover, the Templars had an influence on local culture through their involvement in trade and commerce. They often owned merchant ships that transported goods across Europe and beyond, allowing people access to imported goods from far-off lands such as Asia or Africa. This trade was crucial for economic growth during this period of history and allowed people greater access to new products that they otherwise would not have been able to obtain before this time period.
Overall, the role of the Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire) was crucial in shaping medieval Scotland into a powerful nation-state capable of withstanding foreign threats while promoting internal stability and prosperity through trade links with distant lands. They provided invaluable service both militarily and spiritually throughout their short but significant existence, leaving a lasting legacy that still echoes into modern times.
Organization of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a religious military order that was active during the Middle Ages. They were primarily based in the Holy Land, but also had many members located throughout Europe. The organization was divided into two distinct parts: the Order of the Temple and the Order of St. John. The Order of the Temple was comprised of knights and sergeants who were responsible for protecting pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, while the Order of St. John was comprised of priests and monks who cared for and comforted these pilgrims. The Templars were led by a Grand Master who answered directly to the Pope, and each region had its own Commander or Preceptor who held authority over his particular area.
Structure of the Knights Templar
The structure of the Knights Templar was divided into three distinct levels: Grand Masters, Commanders, and Sergeants. Grand Masters were in charge of all operations within their respective regions, and acted as a direct representative to the Pope himself. Commanders acted as regional leaders in each province, overseeing local operations and managing membership within their area. Sergeants were responsible for carrying out orders from both Commanders and Grand Masters, while also providing protection to pilgrims on their journeys throughout Europe and beyond.
Angus (Forfarshire)
Angus (Forfarshire) is located in Scotland near Dundee, and it is here that one will find remnants of a former commandery for the Knights Templar. Established in 1180 by King William I (the Lion), Angus would become an important center of activity for Templars throughout Scotland during its peak in popularity from 1180-1290 AD. During this time period, Angus housed one commandery which acted as both a regional headquarters as well as an administrative center for Templars throughout Scotland. This commandery included a chapel dedicated to St Mary Magdalene which served as a place of worship for Templars residing near Angus. Although not much remains today from this commandery site due to its destruction by Robert Bruce’s forces in 1314 AD, there is still evidence that it once existed due to its mention in several contemporary documents from that time period.
Rituals and Practices of the Knights Templar
The rituals and practices of the Knights Templar were a significant part of their identity. They were a religious order, committed to protecting pilgrims and persecuted Christians in Outremer during the Crusades. The rituals were codified by their founder, Bernard de Clairvaux, who wrote the Rule of the Templars. This Rule provided guidance for all aspects of their lives, from spiritual obligations to everyday living.
The knights followed a strict code of conduct, which included fasting, prayer, and obedience to superiors. They adopted a monastic lifestyle that included rising early for morning prayers, abstaining from alcohol and meat, and spending long hours in silent contemplation. The knights also observed an elaborate set of rituals during initiation ceremonies and other important occasions. These included taking an oath of loyalty in front of a cross or banner, swearing to obey all orders without question, and being knighted with a sword by their commander-in-chief.
The knights also followed a strict code of dress which was designed to instill humility and devotion among its members. Templars wore simple white tunics emblazoned with a red cross over their armour as well as distinctive hats known as “the Templar’s crown” or “the lamb’s head”. This uniform served as an outward signifier of their commitment to service and faithfulness to God.
In addition to religious practices and personal discipline, members of the Templars were expected to maintain high standards in battle tactics. They trained rigorously for combat situations, mastering both swordplay and archery techniques so they could best protect Christian pilgrims travelling throughout Outremer.
The Angus (Forfarshire) chapter was one of many chapters throughout Europe that followed these rituals and practices faithfully. Today we can still learn much about the Templars from studying these rules which formed the foundation for this renowned order’s legacy.
Decline of the Knights Templar
The Knights Templar was a powerful religious and military order that existed during the Middle Ages. However, in the early 1300s, its power began to decline. This was due to a series of events that led to their eventual dissolution. The most significant of these was the arrest and interrogation of Grand Master Jacques de Molay in 1307, which resulted in the suppression and dissolution of the order by Pope Clement V. This was followed by a series of charges, including heresy and immorality, brought against them by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V. These accusations discredited them in the eyes of many Christians, leading to their decline.
Angus (Forfarshire)
The Templars also had a presence in Angus (Forfarshire), Scotland, where they held lands and castles from at least 1180 until their dissolution. In 1278, they established a preceptory at Balmashanner near Kirriemuir. It is believed that this preceptory was used as an administrative headquarters for Scotland’s Templar operations. The decline of the Templars in Scotland began with their suppression by King Philip IV and Pope Clement V in 1307. After this date, there is no evidence that they continued to operate in Scotland.
Dissolution of the Knights Templar
As a result of their decline, the Knights Templar were officially dissolved by Pope Clement V on March 22nd 1312 with his papal bull Vox in excelso. This ended their 200 year existence as one of the most powerful religious and military orders of its time. After this point, many former members joined other orders such as the Hospitallers or they simply faded into obscurity. The lands formerly owned by them were either returned to previous owners or given to other orders such as the Hospitallers or Order of St John.
Legacy of the Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire)
The legacy of the Knights Templar in Angus (Forfarshire) is a long and complex one. It stretches back to the early days of Scottish history when the Knights Templar were active in the area. The Order was founded in 1119 and soon spread across Europe, with many chapters being established in Scotland. The Angus chapter was one of the most influential, its members involved in many important activities such as providing protection to pilgrims, defending local churches and monasteries and providing a safe haven for those fleeing persecution. However, despite their good works, the Order gradually fell out of favour with various authorities and by 1307 they had been disbanded.
Despite this, some members of the Order remained active in Angus and continued their charitable works. A number of churches still bear testament to this legacy, including St Mary’s Church in Forfar which dates from around 1230 and features Templar symbols on its walls. Similarly, there are a number of other religious sites which have been linked to the Templars including St Vigeans Chapel near Arbroath which is thought to have been built by members of the Order.
The legacy of the Templars can also be seen in some local place names such as Templars’ Hill near Montrose which is thought to have been associated with them. Even today there are reminders in Angus that hint at its past connection with this once powerful religious order. It is likely that their influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.
Last Thoughts
The Knights Templar Angus (Forfarshire) had a rich and varied history, with many different characters and stories associated with them. From the mysterious Knights of St. John, to the mysterious Order of the Red Cross, to the valiant knights who fought at Bannockburn, to the modern-day Freemasons who carry on their legacy in Angus and beyond – these are all part of a vibrant and interesting past that we can still appreciate today. Although the Knights Templar have long since gone from Angus, their legacy still lives on in the many artifacts and stories that have been left behind.
Today, we can learn much about the Knights Templar by studying their historical records and visiting sites associated with them in Angus for ourselves. The legacy of these brave warriors will not be forgotten any time soon – they will remain an important part of Angus’ history for years to come.
