This is the first (we hope of many) of Kent Templars on excursion in Europe and what Templar events and/or sites they have visited.
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We are grateful to E Kt Robin Gurney of Shirley Woolmer Preceptory (500) to start us off.
March 1209 – Biot, South of France becomes Templar territory
27th – 29th March 2009 - 800 years later, the Templars are back!!
800 years ago the Templars settled in the village of Biot in the South of France.
800 years later they made a triumphant entrance through the streets to establish their camp on the Place De Gaulle in the centre of the village.
Despite the bad weather, the public were there in numbers to take part in a true history lesson.
The streets were decorated with banners, there were jugglers, fire-eating displays, falconry and various medieval games throughout, and all the local shop keepers dressed as either Knights Templar or Knights of Malta – some even as peasants, complete with warts and all.
There were also re-enacted battles – carefully rehearsed!!
The highlight of the weekend though, was the procession to the Church, with lighted tapers, singing and dancing along the route.
Unfortunately, during the parade, the rain came down, but that did not deter those who had made an incredible effort to partake in the ceremonies and the all-round fun of it all.
What was so lovely about it all, was the way that everybody had made an effort to be a part of the whole experience and celebrate the return of these famous Knights.
