Knights Templar in Britain

Opening with their stunning rise to power in the twelfth century, The Knights Templar in Britain investigates the impact of the Templars on the politics and economy of Britain. The book traces the way in which the Templars received support from Kings and became a part of feudal society with diverse holdings across the entire country. It also charts the increasing power of the Templars, which led to the exploitation of land and people in order to finance the Crusades. The book outlines the earlier origins of the financial system in England and how the royal and financial roles of the Temple spread to connections across Europe. It concludes by looking at the factors that ultimately led to the defeat and dispersion of the Templars.