While the Turin Shroud has been condemned as a fake almost since it first appeared in the historical record in the 14th century, its origin and the techniques used to create it have been disputed ever since (see FT301:6, 324:24, 335:23 for recent updates). Now, independent historian and anthropologist David Akins says that he believes that the relic is, in fact, from Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire, and started life as a monastic tablecloth.
Akins believes that after the suppression of the Knights Templar and the execution of their Master, Jacques de Molay, in 1307, thecloth and linen to protect them and, no doubt, stored in the Abbey’s vaults and cellars. It is highly likely the statue was left slumbering in the vaults of the Abbey for over a decade – or at least until the new Abbey Church had been completed”.
