Gretchen Cornwall
Author | Historical Researcher | Television Contributor | Speaker
Newest Release
The Curse of Oak Island’s Templar Cave: Royston (June 9, 2026)
Gretchen Cornwall’s newest book gathers years of investigation into Royston Cave, its mysterious medieval carvings, the Knights Templar, Arthurian kingship, Melusine and the extraordinary historical connections linking England, France, Portugal, and Oak Island.
Discover the Latest Publication:
The Curse of Oak Island’s Templar Cave: Royston
History leaves clues. I follow them.
I am Gretchen Cornwall, an American-born author and independent historical researcher whose work explores the Knights Templar, Mary Magdalene, Melusine, Royston Cave, man-made and natural caves in the UK, The Curse of Oak Island, medieval and Tudor world, symbolism, and the overlooked role of women in sacred history.
I have walked through castles, cathedrals, caves, churches, and ancient landscapes across Britain, Europe, and North America. Along the way, I have gathered thousands of photographs and studied the carvings, manuscripts, maps, relics, and traditions that keep the past alive.
Explore My Books
Earlier in March 2026, I published Codes of the Hidden King
with William Russell and John Edwards.
Welcome
History is rarely as tidy as we are taught. Some stories are preserved in chronicles. Others survive in stone, symbol, legend, and the margins of illuminated manuscripts.
My work brings those fragments together. I begin with historic places and surviving evidence, then ask where the trail leads. What was forgotten? What was deliberately concealed? What continued after an order was officially suppressed? What can art and architecture reveal when written records fall silent?
These questions have led me from the Cistercian foundations of the Knights Templar to the carved chamber of Royston Cave, from the mysteries of castles and ancient sites to the encoded world of Francis Bacon, Mary Queen of Scots.
I have also served as a Trustee of the Friends of the Shell Grotto in Margate between 2008-2016. Preserving historic places, original research, and the stories entrusted to us is at the heart of everything I do.
Button: About Gretchen
Featured on Television
Since 2018, I have appeared as a theorist and guest researcher on the History Channel’s The Curse of Oak Island. In 2022, I joined Marty Lagina, Alex Lagina, and historian Charles Barkhouse inside Royston Cave in England to present my research into its medieval carvings and possible Templar connections.
I have also appeared on Ancient Aliens and Drilling Down with William Shatner, and contributed to the documentary series Templars, available on Amazon Prime. My work has reached audiences through television, international documentaries, podcasts, radio, lectures, and public talks.
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Explore the Books
The Curse of Oak Island’s Templar Cave: Royston (2026)
My newest book gathers years of research into Royston Cave, its mysterious carvings, medieval symbolism, the Knights Templar, Arthurian kingship, and the enduring links between England, France, Portugal, and Oak Island.
Codes of the Hidden King (2026)
Co-authored with John Edwards and William Russell, this book follows a trail of codes through scripture, art, architecture, poetry, and court symbolism, with Francis Bacon, Mary Queen of Scots, and Mary Magdalene at the heart of the investigation.
Oak Island’s Mysteries of the Map (2022)
An illustrated journey connecting Zena Halpern’s map, the House of Rochefoucauld, a mysterious medieval Templar statue, and the carved secrets of Royston Cave.
The Secret Dossier of a Knight Templar of the Sangreal (2015; revised 2018)
The book that began this public journey, bringing together nine years of research into the Knights Templar, Bernard of Clairvaux, sacred tradition, Mary Magdalene, and the meaning of the Sangreal.
Current Research
My continuing work follows the hidden connections between:
- The Knights Templar and their Cistercian foundations
- Royston Cave, medieval carvings, and Templar survival traditions
- The Curse of Oak Island and its possible links to medieval Europe
- Mary Magdalene and the lost contributions of women in sacred history
- Arthurian legend, the Holy Grail, Edward III, and the Order of the Garter
- Francis Bacon, Mary Queen of Scots, historical codes, and symbolic language
Read the Blog
Join the Journey
New discoveries rarely arrive in a straight line. They emerge through travel, archives, historic sites, conversations, photographs, and the courage to look again at what others have overlooked.
Join my newsletter for new articles, book news, interviews, events, and research updates. You can also follow me on Facebook, watch my talks and field research on YouTube, or support my independent work through Patreon.
Your support helps preserve this website, fund research travel, protect original discoveries, and make new work possible. Sharing my articles or asking your local library to carry my books is also deeply appreciated and costs nothing.
Interviews, Speaking, and Media
I am available for selected documentary interviews, podcasts, lectures, historical consultation, and speaking engagements concerning the Knights Templar, Royston Cave, Man Made and Natural Caves in the UK, The Curse of Oak Island, Mary Magdalene, medieval symbolism, customs – clothing, and related historical mysteries.
Closing
Thank you for walking this path with me. The past is not dead. It is waiting for us to delve into its treasures.
Gretchen Cornwall
Support My Independent Research
My books, articles, historic-site investigations, and original photography are independently researched and produced. If you enjoy this work, your support helps fund research travel, website costs, and future discoveries.
A Note From the Author – Gretchen Cornwall
This blog, original photos and all other information on this site is copyright protected. If you chose to use any of the information for your own work, it is a professional courtesy to credit the source and also a legal obligation. Websites are a legal form of publication that are date and time-stamped with all inherent responsibilities attached.
It is easy to assume that since a website can’t be held in hand that it is somehow ‘less’ than a physical book. All the same laws that apply to publishing a book apply to a website. Professionalism starts with crediting your fellow researcher and the author for their own work. It is also just the honest and decent thing to do…
I work hard to give credit to those whose work I have referenced in my books. It is an extra step, surely but one that has always been considered necessary through the lens of integrity. Thank you… Gretchen Cornwall ©
This is great Gretchen thanks. xxx Margaret
Looking forward to reading this book xx
Serena
Looking forward to reading it
Your newer knowledge is very much corroborated in a 2007 book we’re just reading- Revelation of the Holy grail by Chevalier Emerys. Very great historical detail. Lots on key lines too!
Your newer knowledge is very much corroborated in a 2007 book we’re just reading- Revelation of the Holy grail by Chevalier Emerys. Very great historical detail. Lots on ley lines too!
Looking forward to reading this book!
Thank you so much, Delio!!! All my best to you and your lovely wife!
This book brings the life and times of Bernard de Clairvaux and the origins of the Templars into sharp relief. It brings together and makes sense of existing historical knowledge and adds new and interesting perspectives. It challenges, through illuminating the ‘secrets’, more superficial understanding of his life work, the meaning of the ‘sang real’ and the work of the Templars at that time. More than that, it also brings new light to the existence of places and icons that can be seen today that have significant (and esoteric) importance in the context of current aspirations through acknowledgement of ‘the divine feminine’. Above all, it is a great read and draws the reader into the human struggles and triumphs and what it must have felt like to be living through these turbulent times. Wonderful. A must read. I enjoyed it immensely!
It is excellent that you follow through with this resource-based Templar are still around passed on from father to son generation after generation. 🙂 I too had an encounter my great great great great gggg grandfather was Godfrey de bouillon and you can imagine how strange my life has been I’m waiting to get this book thank you so much there are no accidents only synchronicities
Bless you Kim,
Thank you for sharing your family background. There have been scientific breakthroughs recently stating that our DNA matters and guides our life choices. You are right, there are no coincidences. Thank you for being in touch. If you have time I’d be honoured if you left an Amazon review to help others decided on purchasing the book. So nice to meet you and looking forward to hearing more from you… Love & Light to you and yours Gretchen
Hey Greg and I love you both Gretchen I love you your book and you know I really cherish it thank you
Love you….❤️❤️❤️
Historic sites were built in geometric patterns so that the Earth’s energies would benefit those who built the sites, whether the ancient communities, or later, the medieval towns. TheTemplars knew the secret archaeology symbolism of the Ancients, and used it in their building. One such place had its star arm broken and a modern complex was built that ‘broke’ jthe old alignment. It was bombed by Irish terrorists in the 80’s! After the last war so much bombing happened that the energy lines were shattered, probably leading to the mayhem we live in today!! I shall read your book with interest as I have been an avid dowser for nearly 40 years and have seen the results when the Sacred Geometry has been broken down!! Peace and Happiness, Liss
please contact me Grethen I have some very useful information on the Templars re- Northumberland
Hello Gretchen , my wife bought me your book for Christmas 2017, I am 63 and researched the Templars for around 40 years symbols and history , I live in Northumberland and you must have a look at the church at Hartburn Northumberland which the Templars took over there are a number of Templar graves there and they also had the vicarage 100 yards from the church , I enjoyed your book very informative , but you must have a look here you will find a lot .
The monks of Tynemouth Priory held the church from 1076 and in the early 12th century built a fortified tower to protect the tithes. Originally freestanding, the church was extended to join it shortly after. The base of the tower had a vaulted ground-floor chamber, and the monks lived in the upper floor. The Templars inherited the church and between 1250-1312 largely rebuilt it, retaining the tower, although they built a new pele and vicarage 100 yards North of the church. (PastScape
Reply Reply All Forward
Hello DAvid, do you have a website ? I am very interested and spend a lot of time in Northumberland I would like to visit places and learn more
Spellbinding.
I fell such a divine connection
Not available on Amazon. Time frame for availability?
Amazing work Gretchen . Well done for bringing light to this mysterious order.
Thank you David! I appreciate your acknowledgment…
You’re welcome you know I just really I really respect your your outboard your output on it thank you bye
Hi Gretchen
I live 2 hrs from Kensington. I have a runestone and I know of a burial grave of a nine foot red haired man who had copper artifacts in his grave. Can you put me in contact with the man in Wisconsin who found the Templer grave on the Mohican reservation? Thank you, Kevin
Text: 320 496 3087
Thanks so much. Please include me in your research and your new book.
Thank you.
Karen wark
Hi Karen, I have 5 more books planned already – Will keep you posted…
Truly fascinating.
Thank you for stopping by Cassandra!
Just finished reading your book which I found very interesting and loaded with information that requires much thinking to digest and comprehend in its entirety. I enjoyed the reading and all the references. You mention that the Comte is in the process of writing his own book, Pennies from Heaven. Has it been released already? Thank you!
His book is not available yet. It may take another two years as there are other projects placing this one on the back burner. But that is a good thing! Thank you for your comments. I’ve had many people state they’ve read it anywhere from 3 to 5 times over. I did throw the kitchen sink at it and assimilated conversations with the Comte into my own work. Truly his name should have been on the cover as well… Best wishes –
Hi Gretchen, I am about midway through your incredibly fascinating book! There is a lot of information to absorb but I am loving it! Many questions are coming !!! All my best-
Sienna! That is very kind of you to stop by the site – Thank you for your review and looking forward to your thoughts… Best of wishes from England
So wonderful
I can’t wait for the book to come out.
Gretchen, my family name comes from the North Umbria region. I would love to know if there is a chance that any of my ancestors would have been associated with the Templar’s. Also I believe your theory on Oak Island. The show fascinates me. Good luck with your book. John Pennington. Other family sur names are Bland Rice and Nannie.
Hi John, thank you for visiting my site- Try Ancestry website for help on that front – Also a DNA test may help you to fill where the paper trail disappears –
What a treasure!!! I just ordered 3 of your books through Barns and Noble. I’ve spent 25 years researching my family history. One interesting branch I share is The Royal Bloodline with George Washington and Queen Elizabeth II , through Col George Reade and wife Elizabeth Martiau. DNA confirmed it a few years ago. It’s so interesting learning this well documented line and it’s Sacred History. I absolutely love the Templar’s connection through King Fulk of Jerusalem and what He and The first Templar’s rediscovered. My blood tells me Those Sacred Relics are buried on Oak Island and about to be rediscovered. God has such a good sense of humor. I’m really excited to learn more and want to thank you for your work. I know so many millions share this Bloodline and still it feels like such an incredible amazing honor to be one of them. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn more. Thank you with a full and grateful heart ❤️ for your Intelligence and your work. I’m extremely excited to read your books 😘❗️‼️
Dear John, I don’t know how your message slipped past me – Thank you for reaching out and I’m happy to hear from you! Family history is so important and is essential to understanding real history!
Hello I am buying your book, because I have discovered some things within my Ancestry. My cousin told me that the Shelton’s and the Cleres were knights Templars. Which is interesting considering the fact that they are also Plantagenet descendants through King Edward III, Geoffrey V of Anjou, and Henry III as well as John of Gaunt. My theory is that the legitimate lineage of the Plantagenets still existed through the marriages of the knights Templars. Which is very suspicious.
HI Gretchen OMG I have just , in the last hour, found out about you, My life over the last 20 years has been researching the global Pi Energetic Grid also touching on the Reshel Grid. The KT and StB so important….If you please email me I shall ship to you a very important e book which I believe is vital for you. taaa byee brian
Hi Gretchen , Great stuff. I am current GM of Cult of saint Nicholas handed down from foundation by Geoff Guerche (Werk Wark) in saxony Wichmanni or Zichmni as in Hennig Wichman who was Henry Werkeman from Lewes charter 1395 a Victual Brother mate of Sinclair in California my family founded LA with Temple family In Barbados we were secretaries to Lord Harewood , “Legacies of British slave Ownership “my families hand , married to Lord Willoughby’s daughter Ann of George Hastings descent. buried in St Nicholas chapel with his bones as we are in Gloucester UK and Gloucester Australia . Contact me if you would like the meridian layouts of the Empire… best John
Hello I have a question for you since you are the for most authority on Templars. In your research did you ever come across the O’Connor name in the Templars organization?
Dr John
Hello Dr. John, Thank you for stopping by and asking a question. I am not a genealogist and I’ve been asked similar questions. Many of those who follow my work are able to trace their history back to nobility. That’s half the battle. DNA testing can help when the paper trail has ended. Other’s doing this type of research work can help fit in the blank spaces. Websites like Ancestry are terrific. The Mormon’s are impeccable researchers.
The Templars were in Ireland and Dublin was important. My suggestion is to visit websites where the Templars were present in Ireland and look through digitized sources online where you may find connecting history in old history books regarding churches where Templars were present. It takes time, but it is worth it.
Good luck with your research!
Hi Enjoy reading your books. I see on Oak Island they found large stone wall with a Tree growing out of the stone wall. Could that be the tree of life and the 10 stones they found and could that lead to treasure?
Hi Robert! I appreciate you took the time to seek out my website. Isn’t Oak Island complex? It’s kept us all riveted for years! It’s possible!
Hello Gretchen, I have had your book for several months now. This is the best and most entertaining Templar information related publication I have read. I have read approx. 20 books and papers about the Templars, Thank you very much for the great books. I am also a big fan of the Curse of Oak Island series.
Hello Donald! This is such a wonderful overall review! Thank you for taking the time to connect and share your thoughts on my work. It’s wonderful to have feedback as writing is solitary. All my best!
Hi Gretchen,
I have a small metaphysical group in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and I would like to know if it would be possible for you to speak with us? We like all things metaphysical but I am particularly interested in knowing more about the Knights Templar. I can’t afford to pay a speaker but my small group would absolutely love to hear all of your input. I have the second Saturday in August or the second Saturday in September open and I would need you to speak from 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and that’s Eastern standard time.
Please let me know if you’re interested. I would absolutely be over the moon to have you!
Connie
Connie Bell-Dixon
Dear Connie, I am interested, indeed – I am silly busy right now and am leaving for a research/speaking week. I am sure we can work something out via online event… gretchen.cornwall@yahoo.com
Hello, I saw you in the Oak Island series that I follow and love a lot. I am researching the history of the Templars in France. I would like to share a doubt about the map of Zina which seems too realistic to me compared to the map made by satellite!
Thank you for getting in touch – I have experience with France and am deeply interested in any information you might wish to share.
My email address is – gretchen.cornwall@yahoo.com
I would love to have some of your books. I am deeply intrigued by the Templars and their biblical history
Eddie James Custard Jr.