The Proceedings Against the Templars in the British Isles ─ The Translation

Nicholson, a highly regarded scholar of Crusader history and a specialist on the Templars, has produced a magisterial 2-volume work, containing the legal proceedings of 1307-1312 against the Templars in the British Isles in its original Latin text (Volume 1) and a complete, annotated English translation (Volume 2). (The work may also be purchased as a two-volume set.) In Volume 2, her translation is preceded by a 41-page introduction describing the circumstances and legal procedures employed by the inquisitors, including discussion of the use of torture. The translation that follows includes detailed annotation concerning other sources, other interpretations, and details about the charges and the brothers accused. The volume concludes with appendices listing the Templar brothers and Templar properties mentioned in the court documents, and the locations of the trial and prisons in London, followed by an exhaustive bibliography. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Helen Nicholson is Professor of Medieval History at Cardiff University, Wales, UK.