My name is Tim Harris. I am a photographer, artist, and historian enthusiast. Today I am in Scotland in the city of Kilwinning with the goal of discovering more about the Knights Templar, don’t ask me why…it’s a rather large project. But as a photographer my goal was to photograph Kilwinning Abbey located at the heart of the city. The abbey served as a hideout to the remaining Knights Templar fleeing France, and also was the birthplace to Freemasonry. Coincidence?

The internet is great when you know what you want to search for, but when you are embarking on a historical Easter egg hunt of chronology and historical facts, sometimes it is not the best resource. I hear of researchers going on location to look through archives and whatnot, but there is something to be said when you can actually see what it is you are searching for firsthand. And as a photographer, to be able to choose your own perspective while maximizing on the lighting on site is equally just as engaging and a process I highly recommend any photographer photographing architecture or landscape.

Credit to the historians and scientists actually doing the work creating placards on site to educate visitors. One thing I did learn being on site that I would have never had known doing an internet search is that Kilwinning Abbey was built on yet an older abbey dating back to 700 AD called St Winnin. The location then is named after St Winnin as Kilwinning means ‘the church of the Winnin.’ This information was critical for my work and what I considered icing on the cake after being able to walk around the premises as if I were stepping through time.

If you are as interested into grail legend or history in general then I highly suggest you visit https://www.kilwinningheritage.org.uk to learn more.