Were the Templars a Secret Cult? - Medievalists.net
Briefly

Testimonies at the trials show that the Templars were not a secretive order but were integrated within society, frequently interacting with outsiders and engaging in social activities.
Witness statements from the trials indicate that Templar sites, including their headquarters in Britain, had public rights of way running through them, showcasing their openness.
Local communities had access to Templar services, with outsiders allowed to attend mass at venues like the New Temple, contradicting the notion of secrecy.
The evidence suggests that the Templars maintained a sociable existence and public engagement, offering a stark difference from the perception of them as a reclusive cult.
Read at Medievalists.net
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