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Alan Campbell
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Posted 29/08/2009 13:02:36
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I was in Stirling the other day getting a new suit for a funeral and the gentleman in the shop noticed my masonic ring, he then proceeded to tell me that he was from the town of Kilwinning and all his family was in the craft(his words) but that he hadn't yet taken the pluge but it was only a matter of time. He then went on to say that the last time that he was home,(June this year) the masons (I am assuming he meant MK0) had commissioned a dig in the abbey looking for evidence of the KT's. From searching on the web i found the following like to a Mr A.J.Morton, i don't know if he is in the craft but he has done some research into the local area. Does anyone know of any of the findings of this dig. one of the links is as follows. http://aj-morton.weebly.com/bbc-interview.html I'm not for or against but it would be interesting to find out what the dig uncovered if anything.
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Tom Cherup
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Posted 29/08/2009 15:07:45
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Alan Campbell
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Posted 30/08/2009 10:37:26
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Thats exactly what he's talking about tom but the gentleman i spoke to has said they are digging at the moment in the abbey grounds and i wondered if anyone else had any news.
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AJM
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Posted 30/08/2009 13:18:48
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Hi Alan,
The reports in the Sun and the Sunday Times are based (loosely) on evidence presented in my doctoral thesis. I invited (in private via the admins) members of TheFreemason to comment on it prior to release. Of course (or unfortunately?) there is no Grail in my work. I have done no research into the whereabouts or reality of the Grail, and certainly did not claim that it was buried in Kilwinning.
I did however find evidence that the Templars and Freemasons were - after all - connected. For the Craft I imagine this is a greater revelation than any (modern) Grail myth. A transcript of my BBC radio interview can be read here (just noticed Alan linked to this already).
For all those who retain a healthy (and extremely laudable) scepticism, the research has been checked (by Glasgow University) and is probably on its way into the pages of an as yet unnamed historical review journal. It has been met with favour from the academic community in the U.K. and U.S.A and was offered up for peer-review before being offered to a publisher (a rare move in this sphere of research).
All who have read the thesis so far are now convinced that there is a connection, a rather strong connection, between the Templars and Freemasons.
Looking forward to discussing it with the best and brightest on TheFreemason.com!
AJM
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Alan Campbell
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Posted 30/08/2009 13:56:14
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Thanks for that AJM, can you say what it is they were looking for in the dig in the abbey or do we wait for the publication to come out?Also it does go to show that you never know who is frequenting this forum, its great to know that we are all so well connected.
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Nosameerf
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Posted 30/08/2009 16:02:21
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Hi AJM,
Reading the interview, I now can't wait to buy the book. It's a shame that the interview wasn't longer! Your website is really enjoyable and your photo's amazing. I will definitely be checking back there. Could I ask you a couple of questions?
In regards to this statement:
LR: When you think of the Knights Templar, and I know you've said this is not true, you think of the Rosslyn Chapel,
Does this mean that Rosslyn Chapel isn't connected to the Templars or am I misunderstanding? Could you clarify this for me.
Also, where the Templar properties easy to discover. Are there still many records in existence or is it a case of guess work and hard investigation. Knowing nothing about historical research, I would love to hear about how you went about it... unless of course you would rather wait for the book to come out! :)
Strength of manhood and beauty of spirit need combination. Masonry thus needs strength with gracefulness, stability with courtesy, and firmness with gentleness.
Sapere aude; incipe!
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dp
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Posted 30/08/2009 17:48:12
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Hi AJM,That's facinating stuff! Some members of our Lodge intend to do a Masonic tour of Scotland, maybe next year so I will look forward to hearing more of your research! Could I also please ask a question? Have you proved a definitive link between Freemasons, as in stone masons. Or Freemasons in the Modern Speculative sense? Thanks a lot, Dave...
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Terry
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Posted 30/08/2009 21:17:26
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Hi AJM,On another thread on this board I have suggested a link between KTs and freemasons , and I am really looking forward to reading your work, BTW enjoyed your websites
Regards
Terry
Tamworth 652
Australia
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AJM
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Posted 31/08/2009 09:34:53
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Thanks for the support and compliments! Much appreciated. It's always been a pleasure running the details past learned Freemasons.
There's been a number of questions since the first post so I will take each as it comes.
Alan wrote:
(1.) I don't know if he is in the craft but he has done some research into the local area. (2.) Does anyone know of any of the findings of this dig. [...] I'm not for or against but it would be interesting to find out what the dig uncovered if anything.
(1.) I come from a long line of Freemasons. I am not a Freemason however. I decided early on that membership would (very naturally) impede research.
(2.) I was asked by the Irvine Times to explain what might be found at Kilwinning. I am certain that an extended archaeological dig will uncover the remains of at least one Templar property and the foundations of the original lodge. If the lodge remains can be dated, this would be an incredible discovery for the Mother Lodge, since the research also makes a strong case for the primacy of Kilwinning. We have the records, but archaeological evidence awaits discovery.
Nosameerf said:
Does this mean that Rosslyn Chapel isn't connected to the Templars or am I misunderstanding? Could you clarify this for me.
I can't recommend enough Robert Cooper's The Rosslyn Hoax. On the subject of Kilwinning, The Rosslyn Hoax falls into the same trap as other academic texts, debunking the ludicrous claims of modern pseudo-historians (an important service), rather than addressing the vast banks of western evidence. On the subject of Rosslyn however, Cooper's book is second to none. A worthy and enlightening breakdown of the Rosslyn myth, The Rosslyn Hoax deserves a place on every masonic bookshelf.
Rosslyn chapel is not connected, in any way, shape or form, with the Templars. Judging from my recent visit there, the custodians are in agreement, though the bookshop and plaques suggest otherwise. I predict this will change. A particularly common floriated-cross gravestone within the chapel has been raised and set into a concrete block with the words "William Sinclair Knight Templar" embossed on its surface. There's no real excuse for this.
Terry Said:
On another thread on this board I have suggested a link between KTs and freemasons..
Can you link to it? I'd be interested to know your thoughts.
DP said:
Have you proved a definitive link between Freemasons, as in stone masons. Or Freemasons in the Modern Speculative sense?
An important question and one I am asked quite often. Both. Without a doubt.
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Nosameerf
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Posted 31/08/2009 10:50:34
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AJM (31/08/2009)
It's taken 13 years and half-a-small-fortune to uncover enough data to write the thesis. This is reflected in the accuracy of the text, which, as you will soon discover, is based solely on the contents of original records (of which there are a great many). There is no speculation, since I set out to produce something definitive (rather than dubious and doubtful). Once the thesis was complete, I had it checked and double checked by scholars in the U.K. and U.S.A. Only then did I offer it up for publication.
DP said: DP said:
Have you proved a definitive link between Freemasons, as in stone masons. Or Freemasons in the Modern Speculative sense?
An important question and one I am asked quite often. Both. Without a doubt.
The fact that you yourself are not a Freemason and are thus this is independent research; that you have worked extensively over time and using historical documents (this is most important to me)and finally have had your research independently verified by top academics is very exciting. I admire your style :D
Your book sounds like it will be a credit to you.
I actually have a copy of the Rosslyn Hoax but I have about three masonic history books to run through before I get to it. I'm glad its a good its a good book though. I am currently reading this: Stevenson, D. (1998) The Origins of Freemasonry. Cambridge University Press, New York.
Best wishes,
Nosameerf
Strength of manhood and beauty of spirit need combination. Masonry thus needs strength with gracefulness, stability with courtesy, and firmness with gentleness.
Sapere aude; incipe!
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