When I entered, a lady welcomed me and offered to give me the Grand Tour. She showed me around and gave me some history, after which I took my pictures. I can't guarantee you will get a guided tour if you visit, but it was nice to be shown around. There are a number of Information Signs throughout the museum. I won't repeat all their contents here, as I think you should visit the museum yourself. However, I will repeat one sign in full as it deals with the foundation of the Knights Templar.

After the death of several thousand pilgrims at the hands of bandits in February 1118, nine French knights took a vow of poverty and obedience to the Patriach of Jerusalem. As chronicled by William of Tyre, they committed to do everything in their power to protect the roads and pilgrims in Palestine from robbers and Muslims. This communiy, combing public service with strict military discipline, minastic life with knightly rights, and selfless love for one's neighbour with military valour, was led by the noble knight Hugues de Payens.

Behind the door there is a display case which acts as a gift shop. So if you want a novel momento of your visit, be sure to take a look.

The Order's purpose became the protection of pilgrims on their journey to the Holy Place in the Middle East. The named their order "The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon", in honour of the temple where King Baldwin II of Jerusalem allwed them to reside. The Templars were so poor at the time that they shared one horse with two knights; their seal depicted two knights riding a single horse in memory of this.

The museum itself consists of one main area and some side rooms.

The Order's activities, as well as the Order itself, remained largely unknown until the Council of Troyes (1128), where it was officially recognised. The Order received numerous honours and privileges for its impeccable service to people over twenty years. Their example quickly became a model for many Christians in Europe.

If you are curious about these swords you can pick one up to see how heavy it is. If you have ever been to Warwick Castle I can assure you that you will find these weapons easier to lift than the ones on display there!

The Templars became the first knightly order. Although the Order of Hospitallers was founded earlier, it only gained the status of a knightly and military order around 1136.

They had more swords, and shields too. Personally I thought the shields were a bit small for my liking. Mind you, I have a big frame.

The rule of the order was developed by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, where he consolidated the Order's primary laws. Saint Bernard's appeal to the NEW KNIGHTHOOD reinvigorated and reshaped the Christian view of the knightly path.