The Resting Place of Knights Templar скачать в хорошем качестве

The Resting Place of Knights Templar

Slebech Park has a fascinating history. From the 6th Century it was used as a meeting place for pilgrims travelling to St Davids and has been visited by royalty including William the Conqueror. The oldest building there today is the 12th Century Norman church tower which may have been used as a lookout ' In the 13th and 14th centuries it was used as a base for the Knights Templar, and was where they gathered before going on crusades. They are now known as the Knights of St John and became the founders of St John's Ambulance. Those who were killed abroad had their hearts pickled and returned to this spot to be buried either in the church crypt or the spot known as 'Dog Island'. They were disbanded after Henry VIII's reformation and the lands redistributed. Most of the mediaeval buildings were destroyed during the English Civil War. (Cromwell has a lot to answer for). The estate then passed to a series of noble families, including the de Rutzens who built a new church nearby. During World War II American troops trained here as they prepared for D Day. The big house now sadly lies empty (although not derelict) and the stable area is a hotel and restaurant.