Source: “The Knights templar And Scotland”, By Robert Ferguson, The History Press, Brimscombe Port Stroud, Gloucestershire, 2011.
2. Scotland's Templars - The Story of Balantrodoch.mp4
This topic delves into the history of the Knights Templar in Scotland, with a particular focus on Balantrodoch, their primary headquarters. Despite a lack of tangible Templar memorials in Scotland, information about their activities, particularly their administrative and economic operations, can be pieced together from various documents. The source highlights Balantrodoch's significance as the focal point of Templar activity from the 12th century, even after their dissolution, evolving into a community church. It explores the contentious theories surrounding the Templars' arrival in Scotland and their acquisition of Balantrodoch, emphasizing the role of King David I and questioning the popular Saint Clair connection. Furthermore, the text details the daily life and privileges of the Templars at Balantrodoch, portraying them more as businessmen managing extensive agricultural interests and a mill, rather than just warriors, and recounts a controversial anecdote that fueled the perception of Templar avarice. Finally, it traces the later history of Balantrodoch, its transfer to the Hospitallers, and its transformation into the modern village of Temple, where the remains of the original chapel still stand.
Topic 1: Balantrodoch's Central Role in Scotland Balantrodoch served as the primary administrative and economic hub for the Knights Templar in Scotland. It was the location of their main chapel and was considered the focal point of all Templar activities in the region. Despite being overshadowed in popular culture by Rosslyn Chapel, Balantrodoch was a significant site with numerous buildings and a bustling array of activities during the Templars' time. Its importance continued even after the formal dissolution of the Templar Order in 1312, as it remained a community kirk until 1849, long after the properties were divested during the Reformation.
Topic 2: Establishment of the Templars in Scotland The expansion of the Knights Templar into Scotland was initiated by Hughes de Payens, who transformed the Order from its original nine knights into an international organization. His efforts extended beyond continental Europe to England and ultimately to Scotland, where he engaged with the Court of King David I. The exact circumstances of his introduction to King David I are debated, with some theories suggesting a connection through the Saint Clairs, possibly via a marriage between de Payens and Catherine de Saint-Clair, although this marriage itself is questioned. A more widely accepted explanation points to King Henry I of England as the likely facilitator of the introduction.
Topic 3: Acquisition of Balantrodoch by the Templars There are several accounts regarding how and when the lands of Balantrodoch were transferred to the Templars. The most credible version suggests that King David I, following a successful meeting with Hughes de Payens (likely introduced by King Henry I of England), granted these lands as a gesture of generosity. The name "Balantrodoch" or "Baile nan Trodach" (Stead of the Warriors) is believed to have been adopted by the Templars, changing from an earlier name related to a gravel bed. Other versions include Hughes de Payens traveling to Scotland in 1228, before the Council of Troyes, to gather resources, supported by a letter of thanks from Bernard de Clairvaux. Another view suggests the grant happened in 1153, correlating with a period of increased Templar activity in Scotland.
Topic 4: King David I's Support for the Templars King David I demonstrated significant trust and devotion to the Templars from early in his reign, just four years after ascending the Scottish throne. He maintained the Templars in his close company, appointing them as judges and advisors for his conduct, both day and night. As his confidence in the Order grew, the Templars became a pool of candidates for the king's almoner, a position requiring an individual skilled in judging character and providing aid to those in genuine need.
Topic 5: Physical Characteristics and Layout of Balantrodoch Preceptory Balantrodoch, presently known as the small village of Temple, is situated about eleven miles south of Edinburgh on the South Esk River. The original Templar church at Balantrodoch is believed to have been circular, mirroring the design of other Templar churches and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, with evidence of pillar foundations found near the present ruin. The site was more than just a church; it was a comprehensive preceptory including a hall with a kitchen, administrative buildings, living quarters for knights, sergeants, and staff, a stable, a barn, outbuildings, and a mill that processed grain from Templar properties. Over time, particularly after transfers to the Hospitallers and Protestants, its structure was substantially remodeled into a rectangular, single-celled chapel, which now stands as a roofless ruin.
Topic 6: Economic Activities of the Templars at Balantrodoch The primary economic ventures undertaken by the Templars at Balantrodoch were agriculture and the operation of a mill. This mill was crucial, grinding all the grain, including wheat from Liston, produced on the Templar properties in the region. Despite the proximity of the Cistercian Abbey of Newbattle, which was known for coal mining and iron production, the Templars at Balantrodoch apparently did not engage in these industrial activities. Their focus remained on generating income through their extensive agricultural lands, which expanded significantly by the mid-thirteenth century through additional grants from Alexanders II and III.
Topic 7: Administrative Functions of Balantrodoch Balantrodoch served as the central administrative hub for the Templar Order in Scotland. All significant business transactions, including major payments to and from the Order, were conducted there. Charters related to Templar lands were granted at Balantrodoch, and legal documents concerning Templar properties were typically signed within its premises. Clerks, who could be either brethren or non-member employees, were responsible for drafting these important documents. The preceptory also served as a venue for settling major disputes and making appointments to various offices within the Order.
Topic 8: Templar Banking System and the London Temple's Role The Templars in Scotland did not operate as bankers themselves. Instead, banking activities for the Order were centralized at the London Temple. This London establishment was a highly sophisticated financial center, described as a "thirteenth-century Bank of England." It was utilized by kings and nobility from both Scotland and England for various financial needs. Examples include Queen Ermengarde depositing deeds for a monastery, Roger le Bigod making a large payment on behalf of King Alexander II, and Alexander III settling debts and managing his sister Isabella's dowry through the London Temple.
Topic 9: Templar Hierarchy and Daily Austere Life in Scotland The hierarchy at Balantrodoch was consistent with other Templar preceptories, primarily comprising two levels: knights, who wore the distinctive white tunic with a red Templar cross, and sergeants, who wore a black or brown robe with the cross and served roles such as esquires, horse tenders, or workers in the fields and mills. Additionally, chaplains were admitted to the Order to perform religious services and administer sacraments. Daily life for Templars in Scotland was rigorously austere, characterized by strict adherence to canonical hours, silent meals with scripture readings, and frequent dietary restrictions, including abstinence from meat four days a week and Lenten food on Fridays. Conversation was prohibited after meals, reflecting a disciplined and business-oriented, rather than battle-oriented, existence.