Latest news with #Templar
Daily Record
22-07-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Couple claim they shouldn't be forced to return 'priceless' bells to historic Scots church
Mark Huitson and Rachel Bonde believe they removed from Holywood Church near Dumfries are linked to the Knights Templar and had to be taken away 'as a matter of security'. A couple claim they shouldn't be forced to return 'priceless' bells to an historic church as they are among the 'most significant and valuable medieval discoveries in Scotland'. Mark Huitson and Rachel Bonde believe the bells and plaques they removed from Holywood Church near Dumfries are linked to the Knights Templar and had to be taken away 'as a matter of security'. They claim they intend to return them once the category B listed building is sold – but the council wants them put back sooner. The couple, who bought the church in 2019, lost a previous appeal to the Scottish Government against the move earlier this year. But have now made a fresh plea to Holyrood after being hit with a listed building enforcement notice as the bells still haven't been put back. Their response to the council's enforcement notice, lodged with the Scottish Government, states: 'The sole basis of the owners' removal of the bells from Holywood Church and any associated archaeology was in context of the owners' discovery of the bells' evidenced, unique, extraordinary and priceless Knights Templar attribution. 'The owners' assert their re-discovery of the bells' 12th century provenance, attached to a Templar preceptory, and its sponsor's Templar attribution is one of the most significant and valuable medieval discoveries in Scotland, the only significant provenanced Knights Templar artefacts in the world, and as such the bells should be judged and treated as artefacts of national importance.' They say the previous decisions by the council and Scottish Government were based on Historic Environment Scotland's listed building description, which only mentions 'two church bells of medieval date' which have 'special interest' to the site's history. The response adds: 'Without authoritative disavowal of the owners' attestation, and the public having access to interrogate the evidence of the bells' extraordinary and priceless Knight Templar attribution, and with no supportable counter to that discovery from those deemed the most appropriate 'experts'; returning the bells to a dilapidated property without appropriate robust security measures in keeping with the bells' historic and fiscal value would be catastrophic, in terms of protection and safety.' The couple are looking to sell the building – which they bought with planning permission to convert into a three building house – and do not plan to remove the bells permanently. However, they believe returning them before the building is sold would put the bells 'under needless and unacceptable risk'. And the response states they are looking for 'authoritative authentication of the discovery to facilitate a sale without the further misrepresentation of the historical building record'. This would also help provide an 'honest valuation' for the property. As a result, the bells 'will remain offsite as a matter of security while new owners are procured'. In their response to the appeal, the council states that 'no supporting evidence, method statement has been provided by the appellants to support the removal on health and safety grounds, with no location of the relocation of the bellsprovided'. They add: 'The serving of the enforcement notice was deemed necessary to return the bells and plaques to the church in order to preserve the features and historic interest in the category B listed church.'
The Guardian
19-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Cocktail of the week: Templar's extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt martini – recipe
Nothing says summer more than an ice-cold martini. Serves 1 For the infused vodka300ml good-quality vodka 70ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus a few drops extra to finish For the drink50ml extra-virgin olive oil-infused vodka (see above and method)25ml 2:1 vanilla syrup (homemade or shop bought)25ml double cream 2 dashes saline solution (ie, 10g flaky sea salt dissolved in 100ml boiling water. then cooled and chilled) First, infuse the vodka. Put the vodka and oil in a blender, blitz to combine, then pour into a wide plastic container (a clean empty ice-cream tub would be ideal), seal and freeze overnight. The oil will separate, rise to the top and freeze, so simply lift it off, leaving only the vodka behind (thaw the oil, save a little for the garnish and use the rest in cooking). Leave the vodka to come up to room temperature, then pass through coffee filter paper into a bottle or jar. Seal and store in the fridge for up to three months, though it's best used within a month. To build the drink, measure all the liquids into a shaker and fill with ice. Seal and shake hard until the shaker is very cold and coated in a light frosting of ice, then fine-strain into a chilled martini glass (if you like, first dip the rim or half-rim in lemon juice and then in flaky sea salt). Put three or five droplets of olive oil on the surface of the cocktail, and serve at once. Matt Maranzano, bar manager, Templar, London E20
The Guardian
18-07-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Cocktail of the week: Templar's extra-virgin olive oil and sea salt martini – recipe
Nothing says summer more than an ice-cold martini. Serves 1 For the infused vodka300ml good-quality vodka 70ml extra-virgin olive oil, plus a few drops extra to finish For the drink50ml extra-virgin olive oil-infused vodka (see above and method)25ml 2:1 vanilla syrup (homemade or shop bought)25ml double cream 2 dashes saline solution (ie, 10g flaky sea salt dissolved in 100ml boiling water. then cooled and chilled) First, infuse the vodka. Put the vodka and oil in a blender, blitz to combine, then pour into a wide plastic container (a clean empty ice-cream tub would be ideal), seal and freeze overnight. The oil will separate, rise to the top and freeze, so simply lift it off, leaving only the vodka behind (thaw the oil, save a little for the garnish and use the rest in cooking). Leave the vodka to come up to room temperature, then pass through coffee filter paper into a bottle or jar. Seal and store in the fridge for up to three months, though it's best used within a month. To build the drink, measure all the liquids into a shaker and fill with ice. Seal and shake hard until the shaker is very cold and coated in a light frosting of ice, then fine-strain into a chilled martini glass (if you like, first dip the rim or half-rim in lemon juice and then in flaky sea salt). Put three or five droplets of olive oil on the surface of the cocktail, and serve at once. Matt Maranzano, bar manager, Templar, London E20
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
‘Best hidden gem' is underrated city with 'most beautiful castle' and huge lake
Tomar, a Portuguese town of 20,000 that sits slap in the middle of the country, may not deliver the simple seaside charm of some of the country's better-known holiday hotspots, but has plenty else to offer The data has been scraped, the numbers have been crunched, and the results are in. Tomar in Portugal has been named Europe's best-kept secret, and therefore the perfect place for an off-the-beaten-track holiday. If you're keen to ditch the tourist traps, then HomeToGo's Hidden Gem Index is a good guide. Its ranking is based on a mountain of data including accommodation cost statistics, search trends, and insights about food, scenery, and opportunities for adventure. Its off-the-beaten-path treasures include sun-soaked coastlines and breathtaking landscapes. That is certainly the case for Tomar, a Portuguese town of 20,000 that sits slap in the middle of the country. It may not deliver the simple seaside charm of some of the country's better-known holiday hotspots, such as those in the Algarve, but it has plenty else to offer. For one, it is a town of significant historical importance, replete with all of the architectural treasures and cobblestones you'd therefore expect. Tomar was built inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal in the late 12th century. It was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction and one of Portugal's historical jewels in the way it links the modern day back to a now ancient-feeling part of European culture. Its relevance on an international level continued until the 15th century when it served as a centre of Portuguese global expansion under Henry the Navigator. The riches that brought at that time are still visible today, especially in Tomar's cross-shaped medieval centre. There you will find the town's main church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, and traditional shops lined with pleasant stores. In Tomar's cafés, the delights of the local pastries can be appreciated: almond and squash queijadas (cheesecakes) and the traditional Fatias de Tomar (Tomar slices), made with just egg yolks and cooked in a bain-marie. Flame fans will want to visit the Convent of São Francisco, which is home to Museu dos Fósforos or the Match Museum. Given that Portugal regularly hits the mid-30s during the summer months and is currently suffering from wildfires, a location to cool off is key. Happily, Tomar has the Castelo de Bode, one of the largest reservoirs in the country. There you can go on a pleasant cruise with lunch on board, or choose from a wide range of water sports, as well as visit the islet on the River Tagus where Almourol Castle is located, or the riverside town of Dornes. A break from the cultural beat can be found at Mouchão Park, home of the Mouchão Wheel. The wooden water wheel is a landmark of the city and evokes the time when mills, oil presses, and farmland along the river all contributed to Tomar's economic prosperity. "The Castle of Almourol is regarded as Portugal's most beautiful castle. Situated on a small cliffy island in the middle of the Tagus River, Almourol Castle is one of the most significant military Medieval monuments, which best evokes the memory of the Knights Templar in Portugal," the Visit Centre of Portugal writes. "Situated on the left bank of Tagus River, the Natural Reserve of Paul do Boquilobo follows a section of Almonda River born in the Mountain of Serra de Aire e Candeeiros that flows to the right bank of Tagus." Tomar is roughly a two-hour drive north of Lisbon, or a one hour train ride which costs £10. EasyJet, Tap Air Portugal, British Airways and Ryanair flies directly from London to Lisbon. There are 23 Ryanair direct flights from London to Lisbon per week. Flights are available every day.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to complete A Critical Encounter quest in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
(Image via Ubisoft) The latest story update of Assassin's Creed Shadows introduces a charismatic ally, Rufino, through A Critical Encounter quest. The multi-stage mission expands the League's fight against Templars. To unlock the ally, the players must navigate sabotage, infiltration, and decisive eliminations. With success comes more powerful game rewards and some valuable new companions. Here is the complete breakdown of how to tackle the quest in an effective way. Find Rufino and initiate the mission Completing Way of the Blacksmith's main quest and having access to Yasuke, head right to the hideout. Near the southeast entrance, look carefully. Ruffino is not immediately obvious. He remains concealed in the nearby foliage. His position can be revealed by the objective marker hovering above bushes. To interact with him will begin A Critical Encounter quest. Assassin's Creed Shadows - New Story Update: A Critical Encounter (PS5 Pro | 4K 60FPS) Rufino explains the connection he has with Tomiko, his ally and immediate threat—sensitive Templar research or the Templar-linked group that operates near Osaka. He then tasks Yasuke and Naoe with the destruction. The initial phase sets a complete stage for a larger confrontation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo While the quest is playable with either of the protagonists, Naoe's stealth skills remain advantageous. Note: The choice of your dialogue options will not impact the story. Ensure to pick the responses freely. As the cutscene would end, the objective would shift to sabotaging enemy research on the ship. Sabotage Templar ship and the research Rufino will direct you to the large vessel that's anchored west of Izumi Settsu region's Sakai town. Travel east to Osaka synchronization point for better proximity. Secure the small boat that's nearby to sail out to the target ship. There, approach the stern for best climbing access to the deck. Use Eagle Vision immediately as you board to identify objectives and guard. There, you will see three distinct research crates that remain marked clearly and need to be destroyed. The first is on deck, the second is inside the cabin, and the third lies upstairs, near a hidden chest that contains Floral Kusarigama of Tangling. Employ shuriken, kunai, or melee attacks to shatter them. Once you eliminate the third crate, proceed urgently to the bow of the ship. Rufino faces a dangerous Contractor there. Handle confrontation, secure Rufino as an ally, and complete the quest Engage the Contractor who guards Rufino. The mini-boss needs focused combat, exploiting the opening after attacks. Defeating them and the remaining guards will secure Rufino's safety. To speak with him further would conclude a specific sabotage objective, but the mission would broaden significantly. Note: To defeat the contractor will sharpen the combat skills, specifically for the players who favor the brute strength of Yasuke. Rufino will reveal the larger threat—Seta River Killers. There are 8 new Templar targets who will appear on the objective board now. To eliminate them all will become your next task. The hunt forms the questline's continuation core and demands strategic assassinations across the region. Once you eliminate all the eight Seta River Killers, it will complete A Critical Encounter storyline. Rufino will then formally pledge himself to League. He will become a permanent ally who can be summoned during combat encounters. The unique skillset of his includes the use of a pistol and inflicting bleed damage on foes. To complete the quest chain will even give you some tangible rewards. You can expect a distinctive Critical Role banner to adorn Hideout. Yasuke would gain access to a new potent teppo firearm. All these prizes, together with the Rufino combat capability, would complete the encounter in a highly rewarding way. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
