Templars

[Darkmoon]

I wonder if anyone can tell me something about the Knights Templars. I only know that they were supposed to have quested for the Holy Grail. When did this group exist, and why are they no longer around like the Knights Hospitallers?

[mikewith]

Interesting aside (I think!): the arrest in France of the grand master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, and many of his men on Friday 13 October 1307 is allegedly the source of Friday 13th being thought of as unlucky.

[beweypm]

Mike is right that 1307 was a bummer of a year for the Templars. There are various books on the Templars that have been wriiten over the years. If you want a definitive work on the Crusades then I can recommend 'A history of the Crusades' by Steven Runciman. If you want something more esoteric the check out 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh and Henry Lincoiln.