‘Knights Templar’ graffiti discovered in Hatfield church

Rev Richard Pyke and Mary Rathbone Archant

Medieval graffiti – which could have been made by the Knights Templar – has been found in a Hatfield church, according to experts.

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An example of the graffitti An example of the graffitti

* And now members of the church are asking local historians to help them uncover the mystery.

Mary Rathbone, 61, volunteers at St Etheldreda’s Church and one visitor in May, from the Norfolk Medieval Graffiti Society, complemented her on the quality of the church’s markings.

He then pointed out the grooves in the stone around a doorway to the back of the church and on several pillars.

“We had noticed them before,” said the Park Close, Hatfield, resident.

An example of the graffitti An example of the graffitti

“But we didn’t know they were that old. I was stunned.”

From then on Mrs Rathbone would always point out the graffiti to vistors, and when two teachers saw it in August they said they suspected it could be from the Knights Templars.

Mary Rathbone: “It is very interesting and when visitors come I always point it out to them.

“We are just going off what we have been told - we are not experts.

“We do know that some of the markings are not medieval, some of them are the names of previous vicars who worked here 200 or 300 years ago.

“It is just incredible to think that someone made those markings so long ago, and we can still see them today.”

The church, which is in Old Hatfield and is part of the Hatfield House Estate, was build in the 13th century, and parts of the original still remain today despite extensive restoration.

Some of the markings on the door- way were put there by monks, who would visit the church five times a day, and leave messages for each other.

In the Salisbury Chapel there is an effigy to an unknown knight, which could potentially link the etchings on the walls to the Templars.

Reverend Richard Pyke , who has worked at the church for 13 years, said: “It is a riddle... a bit of puzzle, really.

“If anyone has any information we would love to hear from them.”

If you have any information contact the Rev Richard Pyke on 01707 262072.