The medieval order, which emerged in the 12th century and had branches all over Europe, was one of the most powerful and richest religious organizations of the Middle Ages. The Templars played an important role in the Crusades.

What is known about the find

Edward Spencer Diaz Eight graves found at St Mary’s Church in Annville, Staffordshire. The historian believes it may have been one of the most important Templar churches in the country because of its ties to “England’s greatest knight”, albeit relatively distant.

• William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, was a knight, warrior, diplomat, and even twice de facto king, and was one of the founders of the Great Charter.
• He is considered the prototype of Lancelot in medieval stories about King Arthur.
• The Marshal died in 1219 at the age of 73 and was buried in the Temple Church in London after being accepted into the Knights Templar on his deathbed.
• Mary’s Church, stained glass windows display many coats of arms, including that of Hugh Mortimer of Chelmarsh, who married Marshall’s grandson.
• The church was built at the beginning of the 12th century, at a time when the Knights Templar were forming a cloister – a type of monastery – throughout Britain.

Tombs of the Templars / Photo: Ben Holder

Templar Tomb / Photo: Ben Holder

Each of the tombs discovered depicts a Templar cross in a double circle, a typical symbol of the order. One tombstone also has a crusade cross, most likely the knight buried there was both a Knight Templar and participated in the Crusades. At the foot of the same tomb is the symbol of the Jerusalem Cross – this indicates that the unknown knight was once on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

“Why the Templars were buried in Annville and why this has been a mystery for so long remains a mystery”said Diaz.