Saint Denis - blueprint of the Gothic cathedrals in France

The first appearance of what can truly be considered ‘Gothic’, both in architecture and sculpture, is attributed to the rebuilding of the royal abbey church of St. Denis, located a few miles north of Paris. St Denis basilica preceeded the Chartres cathedral, better known by the general public, by about half a century. How did the Saint Denis basilica trigger the gothic architecture in France?

André de Montbard - co founder of the Knights Templar

André de Montbard (5 November ca 1097 or 1103 -17 October 1156) was the fifth (Grand) Master of the Knights Templar and also one of the early members, if not one of the founders of the Order. His life, which started and ended in Burgundy, France, shows a remarkable link between the Templars and the Cistercian Order. André even ended his life at Clairvaux as a Cistercian monk, together with another former Master, Evrard des Barres. What are the details?

A probable Templar location at De Bijvanck, Beek, The Netherlands

Estate De Bijvank in Beek, Montfoort municipality, is a centuries-old estate, which currently consists mainly of forest. It is known for its natural beauty, including its romantic lanes. Centrally located is a hunting lodge, which in its current form dates from around 1792. Near the hunting lodge, there is an elevation in the forest surrounded by a circular moat, popularly called ‘The Castle’ or ‘The Rondeel’. Tradition has it that this was an establishment of the Knights Templar. The Bijvanck estate is now managed by Natuurmonumenten (the Dutch National Trust) and, except for the part around the manor house, is freely accessible.

The last Templar stands - Sidon and Cyprus

On the 28th of May, 1291, the Templar fortress of Acre fell to the Mamluks. All of its inhabitants were killed. After Acre fell, the rest of the Templar fortresses quickly evacuated. There were no more troops with which to defend them. With the desertion of  Atlit, the Templars' great castle on the coast, the Franks were driven completely out of Palestine. What happened then?

A Templar location at Chaam, The Netherlands

The Templar Order owned a farmstead and a right to tithes at Chaam. This property was administered from the Ter Brake commandery in Alpen.

Are the blue stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral Templar?

The blue stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral are renowned for their vibrant colour. They were coloured using a mineral containing cobalt, which is responsible for imparting the deep blue hue. What is known on the origin of the mineral and the colouring proces? And had the Templars something to do with this?

Commemoration of the 711th anniversary of the death of Jacques de Molay

On March 18, 2025 we commemorate the 711th anniversary of the death of the last official Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay. However, according to Alain Demurger and others the most probable date of the execution was March 11, 1314.

De Molay, born between 1244-1249, was put to death in Paris by the King of France. He was the 23rd and last Grand Master of the Knights Templar although at the time he was simply indicated as the "Master from Outremer". He lead the Order from April 20, 1292 until it was dissolved by order of Pope Clement V in 1312. What is known of his last moments?

A Templar location at Breda, The Netherlands

In the town of Breda, the Netherlands, the Templars are said to have built a chapel on the corner of what are now the Halstraat and the St. Jansstraat. Only limited information is available. 

The 12th century school of Chartres - mathematics and geometry keys to beauty and aesthetics

 

"The Renaissance of the 12th century is maybe even more interesting to study than the ‘Renaissance’ most people are familiar with. The Cathedral school of Chartes was the most famous of the Medieval cathedral schools and precursor to the University of Paris that was founded in 1150. What was the main impact of the School of Chartres?