JULY 2025

Tucked away in the rolling Somerset countryside lies the quiet village of Cameley, nestled alongside the Cam Brook and close to the evocatively named Temple Cloud—a name that hints strongly at a medieval Templar presence. These small villages hold within them layers of English history, with intriguing links to the powerful and mysterious Knights Templar.

From Saxon Lords to Templar Lands

Back in 1066, the land that now makes up the parish of Cameley was shared between two Anglo-Saxon thanes, Sheerwald and Ordwald. These holdings would evolve into two separate medieval manors—Cameley and Cloud—each forming a “vill” within the parish.

By the mid-12th century, Cameley had passed into the hands of the de Alnes family, who gifted the manor to the Priory of St Peter in Bath around 1150. But by the early 13th century, control had shifted to the de Marisco family, and historical records suggest that “all the vill of Cameley passed into the hands of the Templars” soon after.

The Church of St James: A Templar Gem

At the heart of Cameley stands the Church of St James of Compostela, dedicated to one of the Twelve Apostles and a favoured saint of the Knights Templar. Dating back to the 12th century, the church is largely unchanged, offering a rare glimpse into the world of the medieval Templars.

Inside, visitors can discover a series of rare and important wall paintings, several of which date to the time of Templar occupation.

Mysterious Murals on the North Wall

Behind the pulpit on the north wall, a curious image captures attention—a jester-like figure, possibly from around 1300, with a hare-lip, forked tongue, and a scroll. Unique in style and symbolism, the figure remains a mystery, seemingly unlike any other found in English churches.

Nearby, a partially preserved painting of St Christopher shows the saint carrying the infant Jesus across a river teeming with fish and crabs. Traditionally painted on the north wall to be seen by all who entered, this image was believed to protect viewers from fatigue—a meaningful detail for the hardworking locals who may have served or supported the Templar estate.

Heraldry and Hidden Histories

Perhaps the most revealing evidence of the Templar connection appears on the chancel arch. On the southern post, a coat of arms with two red chevrons on a silver background has been identified as that of the St Maur (Seymour) family.

This is no small detail—the St Maurs had deep ties to the Templars, with Almeric St Maur serving as Master of the Temple in England from 1200 to 1218. He was a key advisor to King John, and his name appears in the first chapter of the Magna Carta as one of the notable dignitaries present.

Facing this, on the northern post, lies another heraldic shield—possibly the Royal Arms of King John himself. Considering King John’s reliance on the Templars for counsel and state security (even depositing royal funds at the Temple in London), this pairing of arms could signify Cameley’s strategic and symbolic importance to the Crown and the Order alike.

The Cameley Head: A Templar Relic?

In 1959, during routine roof repairs, a startling discovery was made: a life-sized carved wooden head, along with a small oak beakhead, hidden within the church structure. The figure, with long hair, an open mouth, and a small beard framed by a trellis design, bears similarities to the mysterious Templecombe panel found nearby.

Some believe the Cameley head may be carved from Lebanese cedar, and its Moorish or Semitic features raise the possibility that it originated elsewhere—perhaps brought to Cameley as a treasured relic of the Order.

A Church in Need

Today, the Church of St James lies redundant but peaceful, under the care of the National Churches Trust. However, its precious wall paintings are at risk, and urgent conservation work is needed to preserve this extraordinary link to the Templars and medieval Somerset.

With its deep-rooted connections to the Knights Templar, the de St Maur family, and even King John, the church at Cameley deserves recognition and restoration.

Help Preserve a Piece of History

We invite you to support the preservation of this unique site—a rare surviving monument to a time when these quiet villages stood at the heart of international power and mystery.

Click here to donate and help safeguard this sacred heritage for future generations. 

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