A+E Networks UK Orders Lost Relics of the Knights Templar

A+E Networks UK has commissioned the docuseries Lost Relics of the Knights Templar from Fired Up Films in Belfast and London-based Krempelwood.

The five-part series follows treasure hunter Hamilton White and his long-time friend Carl Cookson as they trace the origin of an amazing hoard of relics. White and Cookson believe they have discovered artifacts that reveal who the Knights Templar were, how they worshipped and why they were targeted, imprisoned and wiped out by Papal decree in 1307. The series follows the duo as they travel across Europe and the Middle East in an attempt to uncover the truth behind these finds.

Alongside White and Cookson’s journey, the story of the Templars will be told by historians, including Dan Jones, presenter and author of The Templars: The Rise and Spectacular Fall of God’s Holy Warriors.

Produced with funding from Northern Ireland Screen, Lost Relics of the Knights Templar is slated to be broadcast on HISTORY in the U.K., Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands and Belgium in April 2020. (HISTORY will become Sky HISTORY this spring on all broadcasting platforms across the U.K.) The series is being distributed by Entertainment One.

Dan Korn, VP of programming at A+E Networks UK, said: “For centuries, the Knights Templar held immense power throughout Europe and the Middle East, and right up until today, exert a powerful hold over our imagination. It is incredibly exciting to think that Hamilton has uncovered relics which, if authenticated, could offer unique insight into these most famous of Crusader ‘shock troops’ turned Christian martyrs.”

Jon-Barrie Waddell from Fired Up Films said: “We are thrilled to be working with Dan and Diana at A+E Networks UK and HISTORY on this exciting new series. Hamilton and Carl are rare talents and I cannot wait for audiences to see the extraordinary people, places and objects that they uncover.”

Dan Jones added: “The Templars were one of the most famous and notorious organizations in Western history. They emerged from the crusades and amassed huge wealth and property across Europe. But when they were wiped out between 1307 and 1312, most of their riches were either stolen or destroyed. People have been searching for Templar ‘treasure’—real and imaginary—for generations, generally without finding very much. Hamilton and Carl have some intriguing finds and it’s going to be exciting to see what they discover.”

Richard Williams, chief executive of Northern Ireland Screen, commented: “For a relatively new indie to secure a great commission like this is a huge vote of confidence from A+E Networks UK. Jon-Barrie and his team at Fired Up Films show a breadth of vision and dedicated work ethic that is sure to produce spectacular results. We are delighted to help fund their first commission and look forward to seeing the series when it is broadcast.”