The Persecution of the Knights Templar: Scandal, Torture, Trial

by Alain Demurger, Teresa Lavender Fagan

The trial of the Knights Templar is one of the most infamous in history. Accused of heresy by the king of France, the Templars were arrested and imprisoned, had their goods seized and their monasteries ransacked. Under brutal interrogation and torture, many made shocking confessions: denial of Christ, desecration of the Cross, sex acts, and more.


This narrative follows the everyday reality of the trial, from the early days of scandal and scheming in 1305, via torture, imprisonment and the dissolution of the order, to 1314, when leaders Jacques de Molay and Geoffroy de Charnay were burned at the stake. Through first-hand testimony and written records of the interrogations of 231 French Templars, this book illuminates the stories of hundreds of ordinary members, some of whom testified at the trial, as well as the many others who denied the charges or retracted their confessions.


This is a deeply researched and immersive account that gives a striking vision of the relentless persecution, and the oft-underestimated resistance, of the once-mighty Knights Templar.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[William Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Could be 3.5 or 4 stars


If you’re looking for an in-depth analysis on the persecution of the templars, more specifically how said templars reacted to and engaged with; this is the book. Demurger is relentless in his research and detailing of events. Reading the English translated version didn’t feel second rate, though the immensity of names at points does make the reading a slog with up to and more than 20 names being listed on some pages, with most of those names never to appear again…. This book would be very much useful in a proper academic undertaking of the templar’s and their persecution. If this is going to be your introduction to the event in question, maybe look elsewhere. Dan Jones’ ‘The Templar’s’ is probably your best bet.

[Ishmael Soledad · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed account of the 1305 - 1314 persecution of the Knights Templar, the book provides an in-depth view of the machinations between the Templars, Philip IV the Fair of France, and Pope Clement. It is at times a difficult book, getting into minute details of expenses paid for the Templars' incarceration and upkeep, but this also is one of the books strengths as it adds dimension to what otherwise could have been a simple tale of an order getting caught between the political maneuvering of a King and Pope.

It's not that the book isn't enjoyable (it is), or that it is boring (it's not); the reason I gave it three stars is that it assumes a certain level of knowledge before you open the covers. For instance, why King Philip was so intent on vengeance against the dead Pope Boniface, why and how the stressors between the King and Pope Clement had arisen, and background on the Templars themselves. The author provides a brief introduction to these topics in the book, however for someone like myself who has no prior knowledge of the Templars or the period it is an obstacle that stands in the way of the book.

Clearly, the book is not intended for the uninitiated, so those with an interest or understanding of the period should enjoy it more. For those like me without this background, it is a difficult - although enjoyable - read.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Persecution of the Knights Templar Alain Demurger has done a great service by detailing The Original and Only Order ,Catholic order of Knights Templar. Exposing Phillip The Not so Fair I'd call him and his treatment of this Wonderful God-fearing order. My only disappointment is the Great Regine Pernoud isn't cite as she has work on the era and the knights among other matters. Sad that this is a part of Church History, but it was the French State as pointed out in this book and Not The Church who Did such a disservice.

[Sam Gerak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only a two star rating because this book was a way more detailed and in depth account of the Templar affair than I was prepared to read. Having little to no background knowledge, it is difficult to keep track of all the people and places mentioned. That being said, for someone more read in this subject, it may be a good read.

[Zaahir Shahaboodin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book contains a very detailed account of the demise of the templars however it is not well suited to a reader that has no prior knowledge on the topic and will prove to be a difficult introductory book to the templars. With that said. The book offers some new perspectives and interesting details for anyone who has some footing in the topic.

[Haley McNamera · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 to 3 stars. Props to the author for incredible detail and research - but for me this book gets too hyper focused on granular details.
If you’re writing a detailed report on the Templars then this book would be a gold mine though.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have a glass of water ready because this book is dry! There is no denying the effort and research that has gone into its writing though. Does what it says on the tin.

[C.J. Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many what ifs. What if the Templars had been less confrontational with Phillip IV? What if they had co-ordinated their defence and denied their confessions? What if the Pope had faced down and defied the scandal?

[Gali · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, it's a dry book. Some facts were quite interesting, sometimes it was almost amusing how the author dunked on other historians.