The Knights Templar

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR were established in 1118 A.D. as a military and religious order, as were the Knights of St.John of Jerusalem, founded in 1092. Strictly, the Knights of St. John were at first not military, but cared for the sick, and so they were called the Knights Hospitaller. They wore a red surcoat with a plain white cross whilst on military duties, and their shield was black, charged with a silver cross of eight points, now familiarly referred to as the Maltese Cross.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR were primarily a military order, and were given as their headquarters part of the palace built on the site of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, and so became known as the "Poor Knights of the Temple." Their surcoat in battle was white with a red cross of eight points on the left shoulder. Their shield was divided horizontally black and white - party per fess, sable and argent - denoting ferocity to their foes. but graciousness to their friends. Their war-cry was "Beauseant" - seated with honour; their motto was "Non nobis Domine, sed nomini tua da gloriam".

ORIGINALLY their main cause was the defence of the holy places in Palestine, and they became famous as ruthless and successful fighters, and they were granted recognition by Pope Honorius II. To pay for their warlike activities, they collected monies throughout Europe, and became successful bankers. Eventually they attracted enemies envious of their wealth, and led by Philip IV of France, they became persecuted, and accused of heresy, so that in 1312 Pope Clement V was persuaded to abolish the Order. The French King seized most of the wealth of the Order, whilst their lands passed to the Knights of St. John.

Watchet Harbour, c.1900

Watchet Harbour, 1996

Watchet

WATCHET'S OLDEST LEGEND states that in the fifth century, a Celtic missionary by the name of St. Decuman became aware that the people of Watchet were in urgent need of spiritual guidance. He decided to sail across the Bristol Channel from Wales to Watchet to preach the gospel and to save the people from evil. He enjoyed a drink of milk, so brought with him his pet cow. He started to build a church on a hill overlooking the town and began to preach, but the local people took a dislike to him; one of them allegedly chopped off his head with a hatchet. Seemingly unpeturbed, St. Decuman retrieved his severed head, and after washing off the blood in a nearby holy well, replaced it and carried on building. Not surprisingly, the people of Watchet were somewhat disconcerted by this chain of events, and were ashamed of themselves. Henceforth they gave St. Decuman evey assistance in building the church. Watchet's present church bears St. Decuman's name. The Holy Well exists and can easily be found about 150 yards from St. Decuman's Church. (Credit W.H. (Ben) Norman, author "Legends & Folklore of Watchet")

WATCHET was the subject of Viking raids for hundreds of years during Saxon times. Records show that in 914 a Viking raid had been beaten off by Saxon forces. In 988 the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle reported that "Watchet was ravaged. Goda the Devonshire Thane was killed and many died with him." (The town of Watchet recently celebrated the one thousandth anniversary of this event.) Raiders from Scandinavia attacked again in 996 and did much damage. (Credit A. L. Wedlake, Honorary Curator, Watchet Museum, Past President, Somerset Archaeological Society)

WATCHET HARBOUR AND DOCKS have always been an important part of Watchet's existence. Based on the coast, Watchet was a vital port for the transportation of goods and minerals, especially iron ore from the nearby Brendon Hills, and paper making from Watchet Paper Mill. Both of these industries burgeoned during the nineteenth century. The railway line to Taunton was opened around the same time. Sadly, Watchet docks are no longer operational, having been closed in January 1993. The harbour is now solely used for pleasure craft and deep-sea fishing, but other boats do occasionally dock on their way to other ports, such as the recent Nelson on its way to Bristol's Festival of the Sea.

St. Decuman's School, 1874

Watchet County First School, 1984

St. Decuman's School, 1984

Knights Templar School

Following the great Education Act of 1870, which offered state support for church schools, and free education for those unable to pay, the Church of England, in conjunction with the National Society, sponsored and financed the building of the National School on the St. Decuman's site. (The National Society was established for "Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church").

In 1903, it was proposed that a new school be built, on a new site, to house the undenominational school, at that time situated in buildings which were palpably unsuitable (and eventually condemned). The County Council agreed to pay the bulk of the cost in an attempt to prove the worth of education for the town's children, and the new "County" School was opened in 1909, immediately opposite the National (Church) School.

In 1959, the Church School became known as St. Decuman's, in keeping with its close association with the parish church.

1986 saw one of the most positive moves towards the amalgamation of the two lively and creative institutions, and although the path has not always been smooth, it has led to the establishment of the Knights Templar School, purpose-built, aesthetically pleasing and ecumenical in character.

Staff and resources from both schools were transferred to the new school to accomodate educational needs, and many new materials were acquired.

The school was officially opened on June 7th, 1990, by the Rt. Rev. Nigel McCulloch, the Bishop of Taunton, and the Rev. Amos Cresswell, Chairman of the Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District.

In August 1993 the Knights Templar Swimming Pool was opened, and continues to provide a valuable resource. In June 1996 the Knights Templar Community I.T. Centre was inaugurated and opens vast possibilities. The school's facilities are constantly being expanded.