Rare Sandstone Effigy Of A 12th Century Templar Knight, On Its Base

A rare example of a stone effigy of an English Templar knight, depicting a crusader or bearded knight with an effigy of his sword at his side, dating from the 12th century. Objects linked to the English Templars are rare, and an effigy of the man and weapon that gave rise to typical Templar iconography is even more exceptional. Carved in rough sandstone, heavily oxidized by the iron in the soil, in a style reminiscent of early medieval English Celtic art, it has a remarkable coloring and patina. It stands on a contemporary tripod support.

The emergence of the Knights Templar dates back to the early 12th century, when the order's founder visited England to recruit men and raise funds for the crusades to come. Many of England's most famous landmarks owe their existence to the Knights Templar; almost every site bearing the name "temple" has its origins in this order.