The Templars (45 page)

1312
The papacy abolishes the Templars and transfers their property to the Knights Hospitaller.

1314
James of Molay, the last Grand Master, and Geoffrey of Charney are burnt to death in Paris (March). Pope Clement V dies (April). Robert the Bruce wins the battle of Bannockburn (June). Philip IV of France dies (November).

1319
Establishment of the Knights of Christ, successors to the Templars in Portugal.

1418
Prince Henry the Navigator becomes Grand Master of the Knights of Christ.

1456
Construction of Rosslyn Chapel.

1487
Publication of
Malleus Maleficarum
, the witchfinders’ handbook.

1492
Christopher Columbus discovers America. The Christians capture Granada and drive the Muslims out of Spain.

1497
Vasco da Gama, a member of the Knights of Christ, finds the sea route round Africa to India.

c.1550
Origins of the Freemasons in England and Scotland.

1571
Destruction of the Templar archive in Cyprus by the Ottomans.

1687
Publication of
Principia Mathematica
by Sir Isaac Newton.

1717
Foundation of the Freemasons’ Grand Lodge in London.

1736 or 1737
Ramsay’s Oration declares that Freemasons are the descendants of the Crusaders.