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Dear Jean
Sinead
As the page is relatively quiet, if I have offended
any delicate souls, I humbly appologize.
The two places relevant to this discussion are
Rosslyn Chapel and Rosslyn Castle. The following is a little recorded
history:
Rosslyn Chapel
This landmark is in Roslin, Scotland. It was
built in 1446 by William Sinclair (1410-1484). Because of its elaborate
stone carvings, this is often called a "Bible in Stone." The most well
known carving is the "Prentice Pillar". Other carvings depict Templar
secrets and the Green Man traditions. Several other Sinclairs are burried
within this chapel, fully clad in their suits of armor.
Rosslyn Castle
Located in Roslin, 9 miles south of Edinburgh, 2
miles east of Roslin village at the end of B7006, Scotland. the entrance
is over a bridge and through a gate. Around the courtyard are several
buildings, including the guard house, tower, great hall, dining hall, kitchens,
chambers, ikeep, and Old Chapel. This impressive, 5-story castle has been
the home of Sinclairs from 1070 to the present day. (NOTE: Rosslyn
Castle is considered "home" to the mysterious order of Knights Templar.
The Knights Templar had their origins in a small band of crusader knights who
took upon themselves the task of keeping the Holy Land's roads safe and secure
during the Crusades. Formed about 1115 by Hugh de Payens of Burgundy and
eight other knights, the small band quickly won the favor of King Baldwin II of
Jerusalem. After being granted the right to use part of the old Temple of
Solomon as their headquarters, the Poor Knights of Christ began to be called
Templars. Sinclair knights in the Crusades were amoung the early members
of this mysterious organization.
Friday the 13th - The arrest of the
Templars
(Last section of "The arrest of the
Templars".)
Within hours almost every Templar had been arrested
in France but it appears Philips secretive plan was not as effective as he had
hoped. There is evidence that members of the Order either suspected the
actions of Philip or were tipped off about the arrests. Days before Jaques
de Molay had recalled many of the Orders books and rules and had them destoryed,
in addition a note was circulated to all the French Preceptories outlining that
no information regarding the Order was told by the treasurer that he was
extremely wise as a terrible catastophe was imminent. In any case many
Knights connected in some way to the Orders treasury managed to elude Philips
men, as did nuch of the treasure being smuggled by wagons to the Orders naval
base at La Rochelle where it was loaded onto 18 galleys. The galleys set
sail hours before the arrests never to be seen again. They certainly
escaped Philips cluches as there are no records of any Templar ships being taken
by him. Strong evidence suggests that many escaped to Scotland and
the treasure never to be seen again. For those brothers who were not so
lucky a horrible fate awaited them - interrogation and torture at the hands of
the Inquisition.
Donald H. Sinclair
(Just a short note from Donald H. Sinclair's
daughter - Cindy
Just for the record, my Grandfather greeted a
fellow Scottsman by the name of Archie Cameron by bellowing
"Scotts-Wha-Hey" Sorry Rory, if the spelling is not in the traditional
"Galic" format!)
Cindy Woodsin
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