1308
Between June and August 1308, the Fortress of Chinon was the scene of an important event in the history of the Knights Templar.
This episode was part of a power struggle between King Philip the Fair of France and Pope Clement V. Several months after ordering the arrest of all members of the Order, Philip the Fair agreed to send seventy-five Templars before the Pope in Poitiers. However, on the way, the king had the five dignitaries of the order, including the grand master Jacques de Molay,, detained in the fortress of Chinon in order to scupper any attempt at absolution by the sovereign pontiff.
The pope then decided to send three cardinals to Chinon to question the dignitaries in order to reinstate them in the Catholic Church. The parchment of Chinon is the authentic deed resulting from this interview.
