At a time when popular books now suggest that The Knights Templar involvement with Rosslyn Chapel is a modern literary invention; an extraordinary painting dating from 170 years ago, which goes on sale at Shapes Showroom, Edinburgh on the 5th November, has emerged and may prove otherwise.

'A Templar Knight in Roslin Chapel' by R.T. McPherson (1838) has impeccable pedigree. Many years ago it was part of the collection of Lord Dalhousie, Governor-General of India 1847- 56, but the actual identity of the Templar figure was not recorded.

We asked Robert Brydon, Rossyln Exhibition manager and writer if he could throw any light on the subject; "I've long known of another version of the same painting" he said, "but no-one ever knew who the figure was - although he clearly represents an important officer of a Scottish Templar revival order of the 1830's. Very evidently the backdrop of the painting is the famous Apprentice Pillar within Rosslyn Chapel, but gives no knowledge of who the person depicted actually is. I wonder if anyone can throw light on this matter."

The Knights Templar:

The Knights Templar were a brotherhood of noblemen who originally formed in the 11th to 12th century under the protection of the Pope and who were connected closely with the Crusades. Rosslyn Chapel is thought to have been the gathering place for the Scottish Crusaders on their way to Palestine. Templars, named after Jerusalem's Temple of Solomon, started in 1098 allegedly to protect pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.

Many claim that the Templars' true purpose was to excavate the foundations of the Temple of Jerusalem to look for certain 'treasures and knowledge'. The Knights Templars soon became incredibly rich and powerful, fuelling suspicion that they must have found something, Speculation that the Templar's 'treasure' lies in the sealed vault under Rosslyn Chapel is supported by the church floor plan being an exact scale replica of Herod's Temple plan.

The Knights Templars became so powerful that soon they presented a threat to both the church and state. They were tortured and burned at the stake in 1307. However, many are thought to have escaped to the west coast of Scotland, where they were guaranteed safe haven by Robert the Bruce who had himself been excommunicated. These warrior monks were apparently the cavalry who rode in and turned the Battle of Bannockburn in Bruce's favour guaranteeing victory and independence for Scotland.

Intriguingly Columbus sailed under the Templar flag.

Paul Howard Senior Auctioneer & Valuer 

catalogue online Shapes website   click here

© Antiques-Scotland 1999 - 2005