Ralph de Sudley

Ralph de Sudeley (died 1192) was an English baron in Gloucestershire. He was a benefactor of the Knights Templar as well as religious establishments. He was succeeded by his son Otuel. From 1185 the family was based at Griff, Warwickshire, near land at Chilvers Coton given to Arbury Priory and the Templars.

It has been claimed that Sudeley was a leader of the Knights Templar c. 1180. In a novel The Essene Conspiracy he is mentioned as a crusader in 1190.

Graham Phillips claimed Ralph de Sudeley may have found the Ark of the Covenant when he discovered the Maccabean treasure at Jebel al Madhbah. Because Sudeley returned to Britain, it is theorised that he may have taken the Ark to Britain with him.

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