Gretchen Cornwall is an American-born author, researcher, and public speaker known for her expertise in historical mysteries, particularly the medieval Knights Templar, Mary Magdalene, spiritual traditions, and lost contributions of women in the medieval world. She has lived in England since 2002 and has researched medieval carvings, artifacts, and architecture, amassing thousands of photographs from Templar sites, cathedrals, and castles across the UK and Europe. Cornwall has served as a Trustee of the Friends of the Shell Grotto in Margate, England, since 2008. Deeply committed to preserving historic sites, she believes that understanding our past – from sacred traditions to enigmatic symbols – is key to fostering greater harmony and insight in the present. Her work often interweaves meticulous historical research with investigations into mystical lore and human nature, reflecting a unique approach to uncovering the mysteries of the past.
Publications and Authorship
Gretchen Cornwall is the author of several books that explore Templar history and legendary sacred mysteries. Her notable publications include:
- The Secret Dossier of a Knight Templar of the Sangreal – Cornwall’s debut book, first published in 2015 and expanded in a Revised Edition in 2018. This volume, the culmination of nine years of research, delves into Templar legends, sacred relics, and the bloodline of Mary Magdalene, blending historical documentation with original discoveries.
- The Templar Quest to North America: A Photo Journal – Published in 2019, this book documents Cornwall’s investigation into evidence of Knights Templar voyages to North America. Sparked by the discovery of medieval carvings and a Templar cross on the Mohican Reservation in Wisconsin, Cornwall conducted a two-week field expedition and chronicled the findings of alleged Templar tombs, effigies, and European-style structures in the New World. The photo journal presents a compelling case for medieval Templar exploration, linking clues from the New World to European Templar traditions.
- Oak Island’s Mysteries of the Map, House of Rochefoucauld: The Templar Statue and Royston Cave – First Published in 2022 this work focuses on the famed Oak Island mystery in Nova Scotia and its theorized connections to the Knights Templar. Cornwall investigates medieval caves, French castles, medieval graffiti, and Old World maps – including those of the French Rochefoucauld family – to explore the possibility that the Templars secreted spiritually significant treasures on Oak Island centuries ago. Drawing on transatlantic research in Nova Scotia, England (Royston Cave), and France, the book ties together historical symbolism and Templar lore to shed new light on Oak Island’s enigmatic past.
Cornwall’s works are characterized by a blend of scholarly rigor and accessible storytelling. Her writing not only examines historical facts but also ventures into the mystical dimensions of history, an approach that has resonated with readers interested in the hidden intersections of faith, legend, and history. She plans to continue expanding this research, with further publications in development on Templar activities in Nova Scotia, the UK, and France.
Media Appearances and Public Engagement
Gretchen Cornwall’s research and engaging presence have led to numerous appearances in documentaries and television series, where she provides expert commentary on Templar history and related mysteries. Her notable media contributions include:
- The Curse of Oak Island (History Channel) – Featured as a theorist on this popular treasure-hunt series, beginning with Season 6. Cornwall’s expertise on Templar history has been highlighted in multiple episodes (including Season 10), where she guided the team through Royston Cave in England, searching for clues to Oak Island.
- Ancient Aliens (History Channel) – Appeared as a guest expert in a 2022 episode of this long-running documentary series, where she discussed Knights Templar lore and its possible connections to legendary artifacts (she was credited as “Author, The Templar Quest to North America”). Her contributions brought an mystical historical perspective to the show’s exploration of the Ark of the Covenant and other mysteries, linking Templar quests with ancient legends.
- Templars (Amazon Prime Video, directed by Luca Centoni) – Starred in and contributed to this 2022–2023 documentary mini-series focused on new Templar discoveries. Cornwall appears in Episodes 3, 4, and 5 of the series, and she authored the narrative texts for those episodes. The series, which features international research in Italy, France, and beyond, earned acclaim – Episode 3 won “Best TV Series” at the 2023 San Diego Art Film Fest – highlighting Cornwall’s role in bringing fresh historical insights to a global audience.
Beyond television, Cornwall actively engages with the public through digital and live media. She is part of the duo World Tree Music and has performed, written, and sung many original songs, as well as performing folk favorites such as Greensleeves and Lyke Wake Dirge.
She runs an educational YouTube channel (with dozens of videos) where she shares research updates, lectures, and explorations of Templar-related sites. She is also a frequent guest on podcasts and radio programs that delve into historical mysteries and spiritual traditions. For example, in 2025 Cornwall appeared on Night Vision Radio (KGRA) with host René Barnett, discussing topics ranging from Mary Magdalene’s legacy to ancestral legends like the Order of the Dragon. In her interviews and talks, Cornwall often emphasizes the importance of intuition, ancestral heritage, and the convergence of history and mysticism – inviting audiences to consider how ancient knowledge and symbolism continue to shape our modern understanding of the world. She has enjoyed speaking with podcasters Christopher Jordan, The Freeman Files with Jeff Freeman, The Minerva Study Circle, and the Ghosts of Bacon with Jake Roberts. She’s also been a guest of Jimmy Church on Fade to Black Ep. 1803 May 2023.
With original research, discovering lost information, artworks, and relics, she’s been entrusted with objects such as a 13th-century statue of a knight, named ‘Henry’, who features prominently in Oak Island’s Mysteries of the Map, House of Rochefoucauld: The Templar Statue and Royston Cave. She continues to work in partnership with the statue’s original owner.
Continuing the Quest
With her interdisciplinary approach and passion for uncovering hidden truths, Gretchen Cornwall has established herself as a leading voice in the realm of Templar studies and esoteric history. She combines the roles of diligent researcher and captivating storyteller, equally at home scouring archives and ruins for clues as she is sharing insights on camera or stage. Cornwall’s work not only enriches the scholarship on the Knights Templar and related spiritual traditions but also inspires a broader appreciation for the enduring enigmas of our collective past. Through her books, media appearances, and public outreach, she remains dedicated to illuminating carved symbols, stories, and medieval heroes that have echoed through the centuries, ensuring that the legacy of the Templars and kindred secrets continue to intrigue and enlighten audiences around the world.
