Beyond the Templars: The Forgotten Power of the Knights Hospitaller

Inside One of London's Oldest Medieval Crypts · 20:45 · Video: History Hit · Watch at the source

In short: While the Knights Templar dominate popular fiction, the Knights Hospitaller were an equally formidable medieval force. This video explores their English headquarters in Clerkenwell, London, tracing their evolution from a humble 11th-century charitable group into a powerful military organization with influence across Europe.

The Order of St John of Jerusalem, or Knights Hospitaller, began in the 11th century with the mission of caring for pilgrims in Jerusalem. Over time, the society transformed into an ambitious military power, accumulating vast landholdings and significant political reach throughout Medieval Europe.

Tour guide Katie Wignall visits the order's historic base in Clerkenwell, London, to uncover the story of their rise, their eventual collapse, and their subsequent modern-day rebirth. The site remains a hidden gem, offering a rare glimpse into the legacy of one of history's most influential religious societies.

Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.

Sources

To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-inside-one-of-london-s-oldest-medieval-crypts.

How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

Finding something worth knowing…