In 1307, Philip the Fair coerced the Avignon Pope to proscribe the Templars and order their arrest by secular authorities.

Much has been made of the "Confessions" made by Grand Master Jacques De Molay, and other captive Templar Knights. I submit that if tortured with a red hot poker up their bum, any man would confess to any crime or heresy to stop the torture.

Philip the Fair was deep in debt to the Templars, who were the first international bankers, and the Templars were exceedingly wealthy, in lands, and ready cash. Philip siezed all Templar holdings, but failed to grab the gold. English and Scottish authorities were less ready to oppress the Templars and siezed Templar holdings with less enthusiasm. In fact, many, or perhaps most Templar holdings in England and Scotland were transfered to the Knights of the Hospital of St. John rather than to the Crown.

The Templars did not re-emerge into public view until the early 1700's when they emerged as a part of Freemasonry. And apparently other bodies also claim the Templar name and Templar descent.

The legendary riches of the Templars have given rise to many tales over the centuries, including the recent movie "National Treasure."

As an aside, the earliest records of Freemasonry from a Scottish lodge and date from the late 1300's. And Masons sponsor a boys club named for Grand Master Jacques De Molay called the Order of De Molay.