What is the truth about Rosslyn Chapel?

Well, I suppose that it all depends on what one considers the 'truth' to be! The Rosslyn Hoax? discusses all the various theories relating to Rosslyn Chapel, Freemasonry, the St. Clair family, the Knights Templar etc. Whilst the examination and discussion of the various theories (more correctly hypotheses) is important it is not the only aspect considered in the book. For the first time the history of the various theories relating to the above subjects are traced. So, for example, the author pinpoints the exact date when the idea that the Knights Templar fled from France to Scotland came into being. More importantly he identifies who first offered the theory and why. Not only, therefore, are the present theories and speculations analysed in detail, but how they came to be what they are today is explored in detail.  This is essential for our understanding of the origins of this fascinating phenomenon of modern Scottish history.

What then is the author setting out to achieve? First and foremost he explains, is the need to separate fact from fiction. This is not as easy as one might imagine. However, the author is an historian and applies the analytical methods of the discipline in examining and testing the various hypotheses (he even explains the difference between hypotheses and theories!) surrounding Rosslyn Chapel and associated subjects.

Crucially this book deals with the subject from a historical  Scottish Masonic perspective - something that has never been done before. It is strange, says Cooper, that authors write about Scottish Freemasonry but have never examined what Scottish Freemasons thought about their origins and development. For example, Cooper is custodian of important documents such as the St. Clair 'Charters' (1601 and 1628) and although many authors write about these enormously important documents in books and articles not one of them has ever been to Freemasons' Hall to see them! It is a bit like writing the history of the Rolls Royce motor car but never speaking to anyone at Rolls Royce!, says Cooper.

The author has been the recipient of thousands of enquiries since the first modern books on the subject were published more than 15 years ago. The latest book, The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown, leaves him somewhat bemused. Why? - he explained that one of the most common questions he is asked is: "I have just read The Da Vinci Code - is it true?" Because the book is a novel, that is a work of fiction it cannot, by definition be true. Whilst it is claimed to be based on historical fact many of those 'facts' are speculative suggestions. The best way to approach the subjects in such a book, he suggests, is to treat it as fiction and investigate the 'factual' elements by looking elsewhere. It is round the wrong way, he argues, to use a work of fiction to decide what is accurate and what is not. Far better to decide what the evidence is - then assess the novel on that basis. Of course many people will not approach the novel in that manner - after all most as seeking a good page-turning read and the novel does just that.

The Rosslyn Hoax? is therefore an attempt to provide the very material that many readers of The Da Vinci Code would like to know about (particularly Rosslyn Chapel) without having to read the all the books which the novel uses as a basis.

The author has recently been interviewed about his book for more details see below:

The Author Interviewed

by Bruno V. Gazzo, Editor of Pietre-Stone Web Site

To read the interview click here or the above title - you will leave this web site - use the back button!