In a groundbreaking discovery, historians have uncovered eight Knights Templar graves in Staffordshire, with the potential for many more to be hidden across England. Edward Spencer Dyas, a historian, made a Da Vinci Code-esque revelation at St Mary’s Church in Enville, West Midlands, where he identified the graves belonging to members of the ancient order. The presence of the Knights Templar symbols on the headstones led to their identification. The Knights Templar were a powerful military organization established in the 12th century to safeguard pilgrims in the Holy Land. Despite their disbandment in 1312 due to false accusations of heresy, their legacy lives on.
Dyas initially discovered three 800-year-old medieval tombs in the churchyard in 2021, and has now found five more, solidifying the significance of St Mary’s Church as one of the most important Templar churches in the nation. This finding is considered a major discovery, as there are few known Templar graves in existence. The graves, which have been overlooked for 500 years, were recorded in the 16th century and subsequently forgotten. The fact that they have been uncovered once again thanks to the enduring interest in this mysterious order raises the question of how many more Templar graves lie undiscovered across England.
Tony McMahon, a historian and author specializing in the Templars, called this revelation a significant one. He believes the relevance of these graves remained unknown for centuries. The discovery has renewed interest in researching Templar churches in England, including St Mary’s Church, which is believed to have connections to William Marshall, one of the most prominent Templars. While further study is needed to confirm the true identities of those buried, the presence of the Templar insignia on their tombstones suggests a connection to the order.
However, not all experts are convinced that these graves definitively prove the existence of a Templar stronghold at the site. Professor Helen Nicolson, an expert in medieval history, argues that the presence of a cross alone is insufficient evidence to establish a connection to the Templars. She asserts that the Templars did not have a standardized design for their insignia. Furthermore, historical records do not mention the presence of Templars in Enville.
Nonetheless, England played a significant role in Templar history. McMahon highlights that the Templars were an influential presence in England, with their English headquarters located in what is now Holborn, London. They established preceptories, which served as centers for their military operations, across the country. These preceptories were essentially medieval agri-businesses, housing farms, dairies, workshops, and places of worship. McMahon also notes the existence of a round church in London, modeled after the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and situated on the exact spot of Christ’s crucifixion and tomb.
The discovery of these graves at St Mary’s Church opens up new avenues for research on the Knights Templar. By studying historical records and analyzing the archaeological evidence, it may be possible to confirm the authenticity of these graves and gain further insights into their occupants. The story of the Knights Templar continues to captivate historians and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the mysterious and intriguing history of this powerful military and religious organization.
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