Templars: From Crusades to Conspiracies with Steve Tibble

The Templars in Britain have an enduring reputation – but it is not a reputation they would recognise. A reputation for Satanism. For heresy. For treasure robbing and hoarding. Or, marginally less insulting, for reckless bravery.

Ironically, however, the Templars, famous for their warlike tendencies on Christendom’s eastern front, were actually dedicated peace-mongers when it came to affairs of state in Britain.

Leading crusades historian, Steve Tibble, shows that the true legacy of the British Templars lies not in mad stories of treasure and conspiracy, but in a by-product of their endeavours – the way in which this small group of brave and highly focused individuals helped shape medieval Britain.

Don’t miss out on hearing all about this extremely fascinating topic!

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Publisher: Yale University Press
Author: Steve Tibble is honorary research associate at Royal Holloway, University of London and is one of the foremost academics currently working in the field of the crusades. He is the author of Crusader Criminals: The Knights Who Went Rogue in the Holy Land, The Crusader Armies, and The Crusader Strategy. Find out more about Steve at https://stevetibble.com/about
Book: Newly published in paperback, 'Templars: The Knights Who Made Britain' is a gripping account of the Knights Templar, challenging received wisdom to show how these devout medieval knights played a profound role in making modern Britain. The Knights Templar have an enduring reputation—but not one they would recognize. Originally established in the twelfth century to protect pilgrims, the Order is remembered today for heresy, fanaticism, and even satanism. In this bold new interpretation, Steve Tibble sets out to correct the record. The Templars, famous for their battles on Christendom’s eastern front, were in fact dedicated peace-mongers at home. They influenced royal strategy and policy, created financial structures, and brokered international peace treaties—primarily to ensure that men, money, and material could be transferred more readily to the east. Charting the rise of the Order under Henry I through to its violent suppression following the fall of Acre, Tibble argues that these medieval knights were essential to the emergence of an early English state. Revealing the true legacy of the British Templars, he shows how a small group helped shape medieval Britain while simultaneously fighting in the name of the Christian Middle East. “A stirring and fascinating history.”—Christopher Hart, Mail on Sunday
Availability: September to November Open to discussion
Audience: All ages, but the book is for adult readers interested in history
Event Type: Online
Author's Travel Constraints: Steve can travel to any libraries in London (on the tube network) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, or the West Midlands on Fridays or Saturdays. Other times would be open to discussion
Fees: Free if the library can facilitate book sales
Technical Requirements: A projector to show images would be helpful

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