Knights Templar History

History of the Knights Templar in Scotland – King Alexander II of Scotland, born at Haddington, East Lothian, was the only son of the Scottish King William the Lion and Ermengarde of Beaumont. He was crowned at Scone on 6 December 1214. A charter of King Alexander II written on 20th March 1215 at Luffness, confirms to the Knights Templar in Scotland:

‘All rights, liberties and customs granted to them by King David I, Malcolm IV and William I as attested by their authentic writings: namely that all men of the Templars are to have the King’s firm peace with the King’s men in buying and selling their merchandise everywhere, free of cain, toll and passage duty, and all other rights and customs; no one is to do them any injury or allow it to be done; wherever they come to judgement, their case it to be heard first to receive their right, and there-after to do their duty; no one is to send any man of the Templars to the judgment pit.' 'The Templars are to have in Scotland all liberties and customs that they have in other lands.'

King Alexander II died on 6 July 1249 (aged 50) on the Kerrera, Inner Hebrides. He was buried at Melrose Abbey. Interestingly, a Knights Templar Croix Pattee is visible on his, 'great seal (see below).'

Bottom Left Photograph: A copy of Alexander II's Great Seal, stating: Alexander Deo rectore Rex Scottorum (Alexander, with God as his guide, king of the Scots)