Talking Templars

King Philip IV of France - genius or psycho?

King Philip IV of France is most famous for having the Knights Templar within his realm arrested, imprisoned, tortured, put on trial and then the leadership executed. What motivated such a drastic course of action? Other monarchs wondered what was going through Philip's mind. The usual assumption is that he simply needed Templar money to fund his war with England. But the Talking Templars duo, Dr Steve Tibble and Tony McMahon, think Philip may have genuinely believed some of the sordid charges levelled against the Templars - which included heresy, diabolism, and sodomy. They present their evidence in this week's episode.

The Knights Templar in Britain - an investigation

Evidence for the Knights Templar existing in Britain can be found in the landscape in the form of place names and remnants of their buildings. The Templars established a presence in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland but how important was the British Isles for this brotherhood of crusading knights? Talking Templars presenters Dr Steve Tibble and Tony McMahon investigate.

Myth busting the Knights Templar - separating fact and fiction!

Do you think the Knights Templar possessed the Holy Grail or imbibed a secret version of Christianity banned by the Roman Catholic church? Have you heard that the Templars were set up by a secret society called the Priory of Sion? These and many more theories about the Templars drive mainstream historians mad. In this episode of Talking Templars, TV historian Tony McMahon flags up the conspiracy theories and Yale published academic Dr Steve Tibble shoots them down.

Knight Templar battle tactics revealed!

The Knights Templar were the most feared warriors on the battlefield during the Crusades. But what was the secret to their military success? Talking Templars presenters Dr Steve Tibble and TV historian Tony McMahon examine the tough drills and rules that made the knights such a force to be reckoned with. How did that combination of monastic vows and spartan lifestyle create such formidable warriors, fighting for Christ?

William Marshal - medieval superhero

William Marshal was first Earl of Pembroke, a valiant soldier, superb statesman, dashing on the tournament field, and an all-round medieval superhero. Talking Templars presenters Dr Steve Tibble and Tony McMahon take a look at this courageous figure from the Middle Ages. The shocking story of how, at the age of 5, he was nearly catapulted over a castle wall. And why he came to be closely associated with the Knights Templar.