Occasional Magazine N.S. Vol.1 No.2 (August 1982)
The Crusader Knights (Templars and Hospitallers) by Rev. Philip Grubb. The paper is sub-titled “With special reference to their work in Hampshire and at Temple Combe in Somerset”. Part I gives a concise general history of the Crusader Knights. The Knights of the Temple of Solomon, known as Knights Templar and founded 1118, had the object of protecting pilgrims travelling on the road from Jaffa to Jerusalem to visit the Holy Places. The Knights of the Hospital of St. John Baptist of Jerusalem, known as Knights Hospitaller and founded 1050, cared for the sick and wounded of the First Crusade and for Christian travellers. Both were international Orders whose members took the vow of Chastity, Obedience and Poverty. The paper continues with details of the organisation and membership of the Templars, their Churches and how their European estates grew into a supply organisation for the Crusades and acted as bankers. Part II recounts the particular historical connections of the Templars and Hospitallers with various medieval manors in Hampshire, inclusive of Milford. Also covered are the manors of Kern and Uggaton in the Isle of Wight, both South and North Baddesley, Godsfield, and Temple Manor, Selborne. The importance of Temple Combe manor in Somerset in Templar history is then described and the whole section is a useful guide to the present-day artefacts and remains of buildings and lands illuminating that history. Of special interest in the Parish Church of Temple Combe is a medieval panel painting of the head of Jesus that closely resembles the face on the Turin Shroud; it is believed to be one of many similar portraits used by the Templars. The Order was suppressed at the beginning of the 14th century, its members accused of idolatry and immorality. The lands and possessions were handed over to the Knights Hospitaller.
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