Significant Find of Knights Templar Graves Unearthed at Historic English Church

Ancient Church in England Unveils Graves of Knights Templar

A recent discovery in England has uncovered a church with graves believed to belong to members of the secretive group known as the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar were a group of Catholic knights founded in the 12th century who fought in the Crusades and provided protection to pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem. The group was endorsed by the Roman Catholic Church and played a significant role in developing banking practices and creating an economic infrastructure in Europe. This discovery is being hailed as nationally important.

Exciting Findings at St. Mary's Church in Enville

Historian Edward Spencer Dyas has made an exciting discovery at St. Mary's Church in Enville, Staffordshire. He has uncovered eight graves belonging to Knights Templar, a medieval Christian military order. The graves are marked with Templar crosses enclosed within double circles. One of the graves even had both a Crusader cross and a Templar cross, suggesting that the knight buried there had served in the Templar Order in Jerusalem. This finding provides valuable insights into the presence and activities of the Knights Templar in this area during the medieval period.

Significance of the Discovery

The discovery of a European Templar buried at Enville has made the church one of the most nationally important in the country. The church has close links with William Marshal, one of England's greatest warriors. The presence of the Templar and their secret prominence at Enville remains a mystery.

Connections to William Marshal

In a recent discovery, Dyas, a stained glass window expert, found a coat of arms belonging to Hugh Mortimer of Chelmarsh on one of the windows. Hugh Mortimer was married to the granddaughter of Marshal, who is known as England's greatest medieval knight. Marshal is also believed to be the inspiration behind the legendary character Lancelot from the tales of Camelot.

Marshal, the 1st Earl of Pembroke, played a significant role in drafting the Magna Carta and was highly regarded as the "best knight that ever lived." He was posthumously invested into the Templars. The St. Mary's church is believed to have been built by Roger de Bermingham, a priest whose family owned the Enville land.

The Role of the Templars in Enville

According to a statement, it is believed that the de Bermingham family constructed the Norman church at Enville with the financial support of the Templars. The records are missing, but it is evident that Henry de Morfe, who owned land belonging to the de Berminghams, sold a portion of Morfe Forest to the Templars during this period. As a result, Roger de Bermingham was appointed as the first priest of St Mary's Church in Enville.

Historical Significance of St. Mary's Church

St. Mary's, a historical church, was constructed in the 12th century. During this period, the Templars, a religious order, were establishing preceptories in various parts of Great Britain.