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Thursday 13 August 2009

Bankers take Note!

What has an effigy of a knight Templar got to do with modern day bankers? You are asking.

Well once upon a time there was a group of knights, yes the ones that became known as the knights Templar. They weren't very wealthy. In fact they often had to share a horse, and they wore funny tin helmets. However, they were very good at fund raising and securing large donations from those who wanted a good place in heaven.

After about 100 years they built a lovely stone temple (known as the inner temple) in London, where 10 effigies now lay. By the 14th century these knights had become so wealthy they were in control of most of the money.

Now bankers take note of what happened next. People were rather unhappy with this state of affairs especially as many were struggling. The knights were charged with heresy, blasphemy and sodomy and chucked into the Tower of London.

What happened to all the assets? The lawyers took it all.

18 comments:

Ruela said...

I'm a XXI century knight Templar...
it's a secret ;)

Leif Hagen said...

Oh, those blasted lawyers! Great photo! Looks like those knights have been laying there for a longgg time!

Karine said...

LOL great summary and great photo to go with it!

P said...

Unfortunately, some of our bankers may well enjoy a little sodomy.....so that should be something for them to look forward to then !

B SQUARED said...

As my Grandmother used to say, "One devil out, another one in."

Babzy.B said...

great moment of history , i love your sens of humour ;)

Anna said...

I had no idea. I love your history lessons!

Cheryl G. said...

I love your photos and history lessons too!

Lucy Corrander said...

No comment!

Lucy

David Macaulay said...

Hmm - a few vowels in there too which makes you a Victorian.

Gerald (Ackworth born) said...

bankers or lawyers - devil or deep blue sea!

Kaori said...

Love the story :)

chrome3d said...

Lawyers always win in the end of every real story.

Carraol said...

Money never disappear, just changed of hands. Always the same history. Great and clever post.

Amy said...

Gosh, those darn lawyers but a cool story.

Sharon said...

I'm not sure the Tower of London could hold them all these days!

Anonymous said...

I knew I should have become a lawyer ...

Unknown said...
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