Ralph de Sudeley
Ralph de Sudeley (died 1192) was an English baron in Gloucestershire. He was a benefactor of the Knights Templar as well as religious establishments. He was succeeded by his son Otuel.[1] From 1185 the family was based at Griff, Warwickshire, near land at Chilvers Coton given to Arbury Priory and the Templars.[2]
Claims
It has been claimed that Sudeley was a leader of the Knights Templar c. 1180. In a novel The Essence Conspiracy he is mentioned as a crusader in 1190.[3]
Graham Phillips claimed Ralph de Sudeley may have found the Ark of the Covenant when he discovered the Maccabean treasure at Jebel al Madhbah.[4] Because Sudeley returned to Britain, it is theorised that he may have taken the Ark to Britain with him.
Notes
- ^ Sudeley. "Sudeley family". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/66504. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- ^ John Ashdown-Hill (26 August 2011). Eleanor the Secret Queen: The Woman Who put Richard III on the Throne. History Press Limited. p. 79. ISBN 978-0-7524-6895-2.
- ^ S. Eric Wachtel (March 2011). The Essene Conspiracy. S Eric Wachtel. p. 202. ISBN 978-0-615-42646-4.
- ^ Vikas Khatri. World Famous Treasures Lost and Found. Pustak Mahal. p. 216. ISBN 978-81-223-1274-4.