This a talk by Paul Hill, author of many historical novels about the Anglo Saxons, the Vikings and the age of Athelstan as well as the Knights Templar. More information about Paul and this talk is given below.
8 Mar 2024 | 7pm | Rausing Building
£15 (there will be a cash bar)
Tickets are available online and in the Athelstan Museum Shop
The Templars were famed medieval knights surrounded by myth and mystery. This fascinating illustrated talk gives an insight into the truth behind the military legend and their prowess in warfare. The legendary medieval military order played a key role during the crusades of the Holy Land and the Iberian peninsula. Paul explores the military context in which the Templars operated and shows how important they were to the defence of pilgrims and the kingdoms which sprang up after the First Crusade. Always at the forefront of the campaigns in the east, the Templars were involved in countless battles and sieges but have gained a reputation for recklessness which is not a fair reflection of their achievements. The talk will look at the ways in which the Templars fought, what they wore, and how they organised their armies and conducted themselves generally. It will also include a number of the famous characters of the era, both Templars and others. Expect castles, battles, sieges and sacrifice with a little bit of mystery thrown in.
Paul is an author, lecturer and expert on Anglo-Saxon and Medieval warfare and history, and has written several books and given many talks on these subjects. His books include The Age of Athelstan: Britain’s Forgotten History, The Viking Wars of Alfred the Great, The Anglo-Saxons at War 800-1066, The Norman Commanders: Masters of Warfare 911-1135 and The Knights Templar at War 1120 – 1312. His latest book, The Fortress Kingdom, explores the wars of King Edward the Elder and his sister Aethelflaed whose campaigns laid the foundations for a kingdom of all England. See Paul’s website : https://www.paulhillauthor.co.uk/
