The Rosslyn Templar
In 2004, The Da Vinci Code caused a global sensation claiming Rosslyn Chapel in Midlothian was built by the Knights Templar to house a sensitive religious secret. Rosslyn has since become the focus of conspiracy theorists and grail seekers from all over the world; although this claim has been challenged by most academics as no proof exists to substantiate it.
However, a mysterious painting recently surfaced at auction in Edinburgh which had been kept in the Dalhousie family’s private collection for over 150 years. This mysterious painting entitled Templar Knight at Roslin Chapel, by R.T. McPherson, 1836 reopens the case.
This enigmatic painting was purchased by a private collector who commissioned Caithness historian and author Ashley Cowie to analyse and interpret its many Freemasonic and Templar symbols. Cowie’s latest book – The Rosslyn Templar Luath Press, August 2009 – lays out his research into the painting and presents it as the only tangible evidence suggesting a connection between the Knights Templar and Rosslyn Chapel.
This beautifully produced book contains many detailed photographs of the interior and exterior of the chapel making it appealing to academic enthusiasts and visitors to the chapel alike, especially as public photography has been banned in the building since 2007.
The Rosslyn Templar by Ashley Cowie is published by Luath Press Ltd, £9.99, hardback, ISBN 978-1-906307-87-5. To order please follow the link below or call Luath Direct on 0131 225 4326. For review copies, competitions or reader offers please contact events@luath.co.uk or telephone 0131 225 4326, or fax 0131 225 4326 (24hrs).
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