The Rise And Growth Of Democracy In Great Britain

Richer than any government on the continent, these former БЂњPoor Knights of ChristБЂ«had evolved from nine members to between 15,000 and 20,000, with 9,000 manors and castles. БЂњThey have now grown so great that there are in this Order today,БЂ«William of Tyre wrote at some time between 1170 and 1174, БЂњabout 300 knights who wear white mantles, in addition to the brothers, who are almost countless. They are said to have immense possessions both here and overseas, so that there is now not a province in the Christian world which has not bestowed upon the aforesaid brothers a portion of its goods. It is said today that their wealth is equal to the treasures of kings.БЂ«The Templars had become so rich and powerful, William noted, they БЂњhave made themselves exceedingly troublesome.БЂ«Their leader at this time was Jacques de Molay. БЂњBorn in 1244 in Vitrey, France, he entered the Knights Templar in 1265 at the age of twenty-one. After rising quickly through the ranks, he spent a great deal of time in Great Britain ...»