Common Man Airwaves: Freemasons and the Knights Templar: Origins, Myths and Money

In this first of a three-part run, I set out the broad historical map the series will follow, starting with Solomon’s Temple, the destruction of the First and Second Temples, and the Masonic legend of Hiram Abiff before moving into the rise of the Knights Templar. I explain the traditional account of how the Templars emerged to protect pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem, how they grew into a wealthy transnational force, and why they are so often linked with the origins of early banking. From there, I trace the story through Philip IV of France, the Friday 13th arrests, the torture of captured Templars, and the enduring mysteries around where their wealth may have gone, including Oak Island and my own theory about Switzerland.From my perspective as a former Freemason, I also break down the structure of Craft Masonry, the Holy Royal Arch, the York Rite, the Scottish Rite and the ceremonial Knights Templar orders attached to Freemasonry. Along the way, I answer a listener question about leaving the organisation, explain why I eventually walked away, and reflect on the difference between the charitable, ordinary face of Masonry and the more troubling conclusions I came to about what may sit further up the chain. It’s a scene-setting episode designed to give the historical framework before Sook takes the lead in the next instalments on symbolism, esoteric meanings and how these ideas are said to echo through everyday life.Food For Thought Radio: https://www.fftradio.com/Food For Thought Radio Schedule (includes Common Man Airwaves, The People’s Lawyer Reality Check, Mark The Bowler Hat Farmer and Bases Actual): https://www.fftradio.com/schedule/Rumble: https://rumble.com/Zoom: https://www.zoom.com/United Grand Lodge of England: https://www.ugle.org.uk/The Royal Arch (UGLE): https://www.ugle.org.uk/about-us/royal-archThe Goose and Gridiron at Freemasons’ Hall: https://www.ugle.org.uk/freemasons-hall/goose-and-gridironSouthgate Masonic Centre: https://www.southgatemasoniccentre.co.uk/contact-usYork Rite Official Information Site: https://www.yorkrite.org/icon/Grand Encampment Knights Templar, U.S.A.: https://usagekt.org/Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A. (official site): https://scottishrite.org/about/contacts/Companies House – Find and update company information: https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/Oak Island, Nova Scotia (Government of Canada place entry): https://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=CBCEYManchester City FC official website: https://www.mancity.com/