Source: “The Knights templar And Scotland”, By Robert Ferguson, The History Press, Brimscombe Port Stroud, Gloucestershire, 2011.
7. Scotland's Templar Inquisition - A Different Fate.mp4
7. The Vanishing Knights - Scotland's Untold Templar Mystery and the Bruce Connection.m4a
This topic details the Scottish Templar Inquisition, highlighting its unique and ultimately favorable outcome compared to the severe interrogations in France and England. While King Philip IV of France aggressively pursued and tortured Templars, King Edward II of England initially resisted but eventually complied with arrests, though still with less brutality than France. In contrast, the Scottish inquisition, influenced by Robert the Bruce's growing power and the loyalty of figures like Bishop William Lamberton, proceeded differently; only two English-born Templar Knights were questioned, and no torture was employed, leading to their acquittal. The source suggests that many Templars likely fled to Scotland, possibly joining Robert the Bruce's forces, explaining the small number arrested and the lack of incriminating testimony. This narrative culminates in the belief that the Templars may have supported Bruce in exchange for sanctuary, contributing to the "good" outcome of their inquisition in Scotland.
Topic 1: Initial Templar Persecution and Edward II's Response The persecution of the Knights Templar began aggressively in France on October 13, 1307, when King Philip IV ordered their arrest as heretics and subjected them to severe torture to extract immediate confessions. He also pressed Edward II of England to adopt a similar policy. Initially, Edward II was skeptical and reluctant, informing Philip IV on October 30, 1307, that he could not easily believe such accusations. However, under increasing pressure from Philip IV, who sent multiple letters defending his actions, and especially after the papal bull "Pastoralis praeeminentiae" on December 26, Edward II reversed his stance. He then ordered the Templars arrested in England, though he did not immediately enforce the harsh policies seen in France. Following strenuous urging from Philip and Pope Clement V, and personal petitions from three bishops, the arrests in England were finally carried out on January 8, 1308, resulting in 229 Templars being taken into custody.
Topic 2: Templar Flight and Allegiance in Britain Despite the arrests in England, many Templars either fled to Scotland and Ireland or attempted to evade capture by removing their distinctive tunics and disguising themselves. Those who sought refuge in Scotland primarily went to the northern highlands, as the lowlands were largely subject to Edward II's inquisition. The Scottish Templars had a dual allegiance: they were loyal to the Master of the Temple in London and were also required to pledge an oath of allegiance to the English king. This applied to figures like Brian de Jay in 1291 and his successor John de Sauté in 1296, highlighting a complex jurisdictional landscape for the Order in Scotland.
Topic 3: The Commencement of the Scottish Inquisition The formal inquisition in Scotland did not begin until November 17, 1309. The proceedings were initiated when Master John de Solerio, a papal chaplain and canon of Hereford, who served as the inquisitor for Scotland, traveled north from London. Concurrently, John de Segrave, the English guardian of Scotland, received orders to arrest Templars in the region and hold them for examination. The inquisition formally commenced later that month at Holyrood Abbey in Edinburgh, with John de Solerio presiding alongside William Lamberton, the Bishop of St. Andrews.
Topic 4: Political Climate Influencing the Scottish Inquisition The Scottish inquisition was conducted under significant political pressures. Edinburgh, like much of the Scottish lowlands, was under English rule. However, Robert the Bruce was rapidly gaining strength in the northern parts of Scotland, as well as in Galloway and Carrick. The area around Edinburgh itself was subject to continuous incursions by Bruce's forces, leading to the constant expectation of an attack. Furthermore, Edward II's attention was divided by ongoing diplomatic efforts, including negotiations for a possible truce with Scotland, which contributed to a desire for a swift resolution of the Templar inquiry.
Topic 5: The Limited Number of Templars Questioned Notably, only two Templar Knights were brought before the inquisition in Scotland: Walter de Clifton and William de Middleton. Walter de Clifton was identified as the last Master of the Templars at Balantrodoch, a significant Templar property in Scotland. Both Clifton and Middleton shared common backgrounds: they were Englishmen by birth, had been invested into the Order at English preceptories, and reported directly to the Master in London. Their limited number at the inquisition was a striking feature compared to the hundreds arrested elsewhere.
Topic 6: Explanations for the Scarcity of Templar Prisoners The reason for the small number of Templars arrested in Scotland was, according to Walter de Clifton, that the other Templars had "fled beyond the sea." This included John de Huseflete, Clifton's predecessor as Master of Balantrodoch, who reportedly discarded his habit and "fled from justice." Another individual mentioned was Thomas Totti, possibly the preceptor at Maryculter. Both Huseflete and Totti were Englishmen. This phenomenon of flight has led to a hypothesis that the Templar leadership and their attendants from England, having deserted the Temple, joined forces with Templars already in Scotland, or even aligned with Robert the Bruce, offering their skills where they were needed.
Topic 7: Distinctive Nature of the Scottish Inquisition The inquisition conducted in Scotland stood apart from those in France and even England due to its unique methodology, particularly the complete absence of torture. In stark contrast, Philip IV's trials in France involved extreme and relentless torture until confessions were extracted. While England initially banned torture, it was eventually used due to immense pressure from the French king and the Pope. In Scotland, however, no torture was applied, a fact evident from the historical records and the lack of coerced, "incredible confessions" like those obtained in France and England. This crucial difference suggests a more lenient or less forceful approach in Scotland.
Topic 8: The Role and Absence of Certain Witnesses The Holyrood inquisition featured nearly fifty witnesses, including both lay and clerical individuals. A significant point of observation was the absence of testimony from Templar sergeants or baillis, who were neither arrested nor called to testify. This absence is particularly highlighted given the consistent and largely unfavorable theme among all other testifiers: a palpable dislike for and deep suspicion of the Templars, implying that if these other ranks were present, they might have also echoed similar sentiments or faced similar accusations.
Topic 9: Public and Witness Dislike of the Templars A pervasive sentiment among the witnesses was a strong dislike for and suspicion of the Templars, forming a consistent theme throughout the testimonies. Several witnesses openly accused the Templars of unjust greed and a lack of hospitality. For example, William de Preston and William de St Clair made such accusations. Adam de Wedale, a monk of Newbattle, was particularly specific, testifying that the Order was "defamed in manifold ways by unjust acquisitions" and that it sought to appropriate property "justly and unjustly with equal indifference." He also stated that they did not practice hospitality "except towards the rich and powerful, for fear of dispersing their possessions in alms."