The English Templar

Templar Tales

by Helena P. Schrader

An English knight en route to Cyprus is caught up in the mass arrest of French Templars on the night of Friday October 13, 1307. Tortured until he confesses to crimes he did not commit, he wants only to die, but fate puts him in the hands of two people determined to keep him alive – and resist the injustice of the French King. A powerful love story set against the backdrop of one of the most appalling instances of state terrorism in Western European history, "The English Templar" is rich in historical detail and emotional fervour.

"I rate this book 5 of 5 stars. It is among the best historical fiction I have ever read. The setting is detailed, the daily lives of each character come alive, and the romance was delightful. I can't recommend this book highly enough . it is an excellent read."

Kara Wolf, simegen.com, July 23, 2001

"Schrader is a master at describing memorable scenes whether it is the torture of her hapless protagonist, or daily life in the early 14th century for those great and poor . The result is a novel that stays in the mind long afterwards and surely cannot fail to disturb, enchant and absorb readers."

Rachel Hyde, Myshelf.com, Oct. 12, 2001.

620 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2007

About the author

Dr. Helena P. Schrader is a highly acclaimed author with a remarkable portfolio of six critically acclaimed non-fiction history books and twenty historical novels. A testament to her storytelling prowess, twelve of her novels have earned one or more prestigious literary awards, with three titles achieving Amazon best-selling status.

Helena's deep historical insight stems from her PhD in history from the University of Hamburg, where her ground-breaking biography of a leader of the German Resistance to Hitler earned her doctorate. Her rich experiences also include a distinguished career as an American diplomat in Europe and Africa.

Her expertise spans critical historical periods and subjects, including:

Aviation

The Second World War

Ancient Sparta

The Crusader States

Award Highlights:

Helena's dedication to historical accuracy and compelling narratives has been recognized with numerous accolades:

"Cold Peace" Won the Independent Press Award for Political Thrillers 2024 and was "Runner-Up for BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023" from the Historical Fiction Company

"Moral Fibre" won GOLD in the Global Book Awards for 20th Century Historical Fiction 2024

"Where Eagles Never Flew" won the Hemingway Award for 20th Century Wartime Fiction from Chanticleer International Book Awards 2021

"Envoy of Jerusalem": Book Excellence Award for Best Biography 2017.

As the highly respected Feathered Quill Reviews noted: "Helena Schrader’s in-depth stories, fantastic characters, and ability to write an unforgettable tale make her one of the best authors out there!”

For a comprehensive list of awards and more information, please visit her author website.

Reviews

[Michael Schmicker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philip IV was one greedy royal.

Le Roi de fer (the “Iron King”) ruled France with an iron fist, financing his costly, incessant wars by shaking down the Church, Jews, bankers, and the Knights Templar. When Pope Boniface VIII protested His Royal Highness’s heavy tax on the clergy, Philip accused him of heresy and set up a French anti-pope, Clement V, under his thumb. When Lombard bankers who financed his fight with England demanded repayment of their loans, he expelled them from France and seized their properties. In 1306, he drove the Jews from France, then forced their debtors to pay the Crown instead. In 1307, he turned his avaricious eye on the assets of the Poor Fellow Soldiers of Christ and the Temple of Solomon (aka the Knights Templar) – a militant, monastic order created in 1120 to do good by protecting Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. The poor soldiers did very well indeed over the following two centuries; by the time Philip moved against them, the Order owned valuable properties and assets throughout Christendom, including France.

On Friday the 13th October, 1307, Philip fell on them like a falcon on a rabbit.

"The English Templar" is a captivating fictional account of this shameful event, and its disastrous effects on a noble French family brave enough to hide Sir Percival de Lacy, an English Templar caught in Poitiers when Philip pounces.

Author and historian Helena Schrader knows her century and her subject; two of her novels – "Knight of Jerusalem" and "St. Louis' Knight" – were recently named Finalists for the 2014 Chaucer Award for Historical Fiction. They’re among a suite of well-received novels Schrader sets in the so-called “Age of Chivalry.” Barbara Tuchman’s National Book Award-winning work, "A Distant Mirror," exposed the sour truth of a medieval age wracked by senseless, unending warfare that spared no one. Schrader’s "English Templar" echoes the coarse brutality of this calamitous era, while shining a harsh light on a corrupt, morally-compromised, pre-Reformation Church complicit with Philip in applying the dreaded tortures of the Inquisition to destroy the Templars. She wisely balances the horrors of the day with a sweet love story. Young Felice de Preuthune falls slowly but inexorably for the outlaw Sir Percy, and vice-versa. Standing in the way is Umberto di Sante, an ambitious, unscrupulous, young cleric, determined to enjoy Felice as his concubine. The Pope has one; why shouldn’t he?

The Knights Templar have fascinated novelists as far back as Sir Water Scott. "Ivanhoe" (1820) showcased a Templar Knight as villain. More recently, Italian author Umberto Eco ("Foucault’s Pendulum") and writer Dan Brown ("The Da Vinci Code") profitably wove the legenday fraternity into best-sellers. Schrader successfully mines the same literary gold, crafting a compelling, expertly researched, and provocative tale of her own.

If the Middle Ages are your dish, don’t miss this delicious literary feast.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You won’t let them burn, will you?” he pleaded. “Tell them that you won’t let my brothers burn!”
Percy responded without even raising his voice, “I won’t let them burn.”

Their legacy was one of valour. Their acts of bravery were legendary. No one could mistake who wore the striking white mantles emblazoned with bold red crosses. The Order of the Poor Knights of the Temple of Solomon had been formidable warriors during the Crusades. They truly had God on their side. But now the Muslims had reclaimed Jerusalem, and the Order faced the disheartening loss of its foothold in the Holy Land, but that still did not diminish their fighting prowess.

But nothing can last forever, and with an avaricious king on the French throne, who seeks The Order’s wealth and lands, there was never a more dangerous time to be a member of The Knights Templar.

Sir Percy de Lacy should have been well on his way to Cyprus with important dispatches, but the Grand Master kept changing what he wanted the dispatches to say. Finally, on October 12, 1307, Percy received the finalised dispatches and began his journey. Resting for the night at Saint Pierre du Temple, he was eager to continue his journey in the morning. However, in the early hours of the 13th, the Royal Guard came for them. Treated like cattle and herded into a dungeon, Percy and the other Templars faced their most gruelling trials of faith and strength. The French King sought to destroy The Order, but these were Templar men, and it would take a great deal of persuasion to make them turn their back on, not only God, but their brethren.

To Percy, it felt as if God had forsaken them, yet he vowed not to utter the lies they wanted him to confess, no matter what torture they inflicted upon his body.

From the depths of despair to the desperate fight to save his fellow Templars from the flames of a heretic pyre, “The Tale of the English Templar” by Helena P. Schrader is a masterfully crafted narrative that showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

With a graceful sweep of her quill, Schrader has intricately woven a mesmerising tale that is steeped in rich historical detail. The historical accuracy of this book is not only commendable but impressive; it is rendered with such vividness that one can’t help but admire the countless hours Schrader must have devoted to researching this tumultuous chapter in Templar history. Her steadfast commitment to authenticity shines brilliantly throughout the narrative, which feels palpably alive. The events that transpired after October 13th are depicted with striking realism, immersing readers in the complex nuances of the era and creating a visceral experience where the reader almost feels as though they are walking side by side with the characters. With a deep understanding of history’s appeal, Schrader masterfully leads readers on an enthralling journey into a dangerous and intriguing past.

Schrader skilfully weaves a rich tapestry of distinct characters, each with their own unique motivations, flaws, and complexities that bring the narrative to life. Facing relentless adversity, Sir Percy’s seemingly indomitable spirit exemplifies his courage and resilience. As the harrowing events unfold around him, the reader is drawn into a gripping tale where this heroic figure endures torment that pushes him to the brink of insanity. His resolute will to live, even in the midst of despair, reveals the extraordinary strength of his character. Sir Percy’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and bravery. His determination to rescue his captured brethren fuels a powerful comeback, marked by both reckless acts and unwavering courage born from persecution.

The reader first meets Felice as a child, who is navigating the complexities of a torn and dysfunctional family. Her mother, Marie, is often harsh and bitter, consumed by her own self-interest and societal standing. While her father, Louis, tries to intervene at times, it is clear that Marie’s dominance shapes their household. In the midst of this turmoil, Felice finds comfort in the unwavering love of her grandmother and grandfather, who provide the emotional support her mother fails to offer. When her beloved grandmother passes away, her grandfather steps in to become the most important person in her life, offering support and unconditional love. As Felice grows into a young woman, she develops a strong sense of self and an understanding of her circumstances. She yearns for autonomy, yet recognises that her parents ultimately control her destiny. Even when her heart longs for someone else, societal expectations dictate whom she must marry. Felice’s story is one marked by both heartbreak and remarkable courage. Like the Templar knights, she faces many struggles and experiences heart-wrenching grief, but beneath the surface lies an undeniable strength. Her journey resonates deeply, making it easy for readers to relate to her as an inspiring heroine who brings richness and depth to the narrative.

Geoffrey de Preuthune, Felice’s grandfather, is an inspirational man who consistently puts others before himself. He is also one of the most courageous characters in this novel, as he stands up when others sit down and speaks out when others remain silent. Despite being very old, he is determined to do everything he can to assist the Templars. Geoffrey’s backstory is beautifully portrayed, and his compassion for others makes him a compelling character.

The novel teems with a variety of antagonists, and while the reader never directly encounters the menacing King Philip IV, he serves as the dark catalyst behind the unfolding chaos. Pope Clement V, depicted as little more than a marionette dancing to Philip’s whims, is equally insidious in his compliance. Yet it is the harrowing “Inquisition” — a grim alliance of the Papal Commission and the French Royal Inquisitors — that orchestrates the confessions under the most dreadful of circumstances. Among these formidable figures, Father Elion is especially repulsive. He revels in extracting confessions through unimaginable suffering. Cunning and extremely ruthless, Father Elion embodies a chilling malevolence that chills the reader’s spine and evokes a visceral sense of disgust.

The author’s portrayal of Umberto is skilfully crafted and effectively conveys the message that not all men are born monsters, but circumstances can lead them to become one. Ambitious and eager to advance within the church, Umberto is faced with a proposal from his dean to join the Dominican Order. However, nothing in his prior experiences has prepared him for the horrors he is about to witness in the torture chambers. Umberto quickly becomes indoctrinated into the Dominican Order, ultimately becoming unflinching in his execution of extreme brutality in the name of the church and the king. And yet there is still an essence of humanity within his character which makes for a compelling individual.

“The Tale of the English Templar” by Helena P. Schrader stands out as a masterful work of historical fiction. With its enthralling plot and vividly drawn characters, this novel not only captivates but also challenges readers to engage in profound reflection and moral contemplation. Schrader’s exquisite prose ensures that this unforgettable story will resonate deeply in the readers' hearts long after they turn the last page.

If you read only one book this year, let it be this one. The story will captivate and inspire you in ways you never anticipated. It is, in all ways, a complete success.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club

[Joseph Scott Amis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not far into Helena Schrader’s "The Tale of the English Templar", a quote by the great Christian apologist and writer C.S. Lewis came vividly to mind: “Since it is so likely that young people will meet cruel enemies, let them at least have heard of brave knights and deeds of heroic courage”.

Perhaps the best historical example of Lewis’s brave knights existed in The Order of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon; today, as in the Middle Ages, known as the Knights Templar. Founded the early twelfth century by the Frankish knight Hugues de Payens, who gathered a force of professional warriors to protect European pilgrims from Saracen predators while enroute from the port of Jaffa to Jerusalem, the Templars were recognized as a monastic military order by the Catholic Church in 1119. Over the next two centuries, these staunch defenders of the Holy Land, famed for their exemplary courage, professionalism, and dedication to the highest ideals of chivalry, became vastly numerous, rich, and powerful, so much so that less than two decades after the last remnants of the Franks in the Holy Land were expelled by the Saracens at Acre in 1291, King Philip IV of France came to covet the lands and treasure held by the Order. Early on 13 October 1307, enabled by the weak and compliant Pope Clement V, Philip had hundreds of French Templars arrested, imprisoned, and in many instances, subjected to fiendish torture. The charges, since proven false, included idol worship, blasphemy, sodomy, and outright denial of the divine supremacy of Christ Himself.

The Tale of the English Templar begins with Percy de Lacy, a Templar knight-brother based in England. Sir Percy, after an overnight rest stop in France while enroute to the Templars’ headquarters on Cyprus, by dreadful misfortune becomes caught up in the events of 13 October. In March of 1308, Sir Percy, reduced to starvation after months in a filthy dungeon, both legs twisted and broken by torture at the hands of Philip’s henchmen, awaits death beside a snow-blown road in the South of France. However, by providence and passers-by Felice, a persistent young noblewoman, and her hapless cousin Hugh, Sir Percy gains a slim chance of survival.

Replete with ever-present danger, saintliness and profound evil, and “brave knights and deeds of heroic courage”, The Tale of the English Templar is a compelling “page-turner” as well as an intellectual challenge. The diverse and well-developed characters provide pause for reflection: Taciturn, near-unknowable Percy. Elderly knight Geoffrey, approaching his eightieth year, yet roused from a comfortable retirement at the call of a just cause. Handsome, charming, and intrinsically good Umberto, who, unknowing of his own self, exchanges his soul for earthly riches and power. Debauched and vacillating Clement V, who, nearing death, yet finds a chance at redemption. Noblewoman Felice, whose precocious intelligence and resourcefulness are continually tested by the realities of the medieval world. Father Elion, inquisitor, sexual pervert, and depraved fanatic. Renaud, disfigured and reduced to despair by disease and forcible castration, yet reclaimed by discovery of his own formidable intellect.

Scholar, untiring researcher, and prodigious writer Helena Schrader has assembled a catalogue which includes numerous works of award-winning historical fiction, set in intriguing times, events, and places: Ancient Sparta; Medieval Europe and the Holy Land in the era of the Crusades; World War II, particularly the Battle of Britain; the Berlin Airlift and the Cold War that followed. As a dilletante medievalist, I’ve found her books set in the Middle Ages to be the most personally appealing but credit her exceptional World War II books with sparking a latent interest in that catastrophic conflict and members of my own family who participated.

Returning to The Tale of the English Templar, I can only say “Highly Recommended”, and for those who haven’t yet sampled Schrader’s work, an excellent introduction.

[Oh Look,AnotherBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put the kettle on, lock the door, light some candles, and settle down and lose yourself in this brilliant story about the Knight Templars.

Now, I must admit that the most I know about the Templars is what I have learned from Indiana Jones, but I saw this book and I thought it sounded brilliant, so I decided to give it a try. And oh my goodness, how glad was I that I read this book.

Set in France during the round-up of the Templars, this novel explores what it was like during this era. Through the eyes of Sir Percy, I got to experience (not literally) the fear, the torture, and the terrifying sense that God had abandoned them. Sir Percy is an exceptionally compelling hero, who, once free from the cruelty of his tormenters, does everything to save his fellow knights, many times risking his life to do so. I adored Sir Percy, he is a man filled with honour, and yet he comes across as very human in the telling.

The heroine of this story is Felice. She grows up to be a woman who knows her own mind and knows right from wrong. Her parents are pretty terrible, and she goes through some horrendous ordeals because of them, but her grandfather's love sees her through some of the very difficult times in her life. Her relationship with Sir Percy is also very realistic in the telling.

Umberto is a character that burns hot and cold in my opinion. At times he is a man who witnesses the torture of innocent men, but he becomes so institutionalised, if that is the right word, that he also commits atrocities.

There are many other characters in this novel, but to really appreciate this book you have to read it.

[Smith Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tale of the English Templar is one of those rare historical novels that pulls you in from the first page and refuses to let go. Helena Schrader combines meticulous research with vivid storytelling, making the downfall of the Knights Templar feel immediate, human, and heartbreakingly real.
What stood out to me most was the depth of the characters. The young Templar at the heart of the story isn’t just a symbol of courage he’s flesh and blood, carrying scars of suffering yet still capable of loyalty, love, and hope. The tension between despair and resilience runs throughout the book, and it kept me turning pages late into the night.

[Katherine Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! The Tale of the English Templar pulls you in from the very first page and doesn’t let go. It’s not just history, it feels alive. The characters are so real, their struggles so raw, that you can’t help but root for them through every twist and turn.

Helena Schrader captures both the heartbreak and the courage of the Templars in a way that makes you think about love, faith, and resilience long after you’ve finished. This is one of those rare books you want everyone to read, powerful, emotional, and unforgettable.

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We proudly announce that THE TALE OF THE ENGLISH TEMPLAR by Helena P. Schrader has been honored with the B.R.A.G. Medallion (Book Readers’ Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG. This award is a testament to this book's quality and its impact on readers.