The Westford Knight, the Newport Tower, and Related Sites

My New Book--Thief on the Cross

2012-01-06T14:00:00.003-05:00

My new book is now live on Kindle. Title is, "Thief on the Cross: Templar Secrets in America."

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006OQIXCG/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb

Here is summary:

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Why would a collector of ancient American artifacts hand over his prized pieces to a historian and then shoot himself in the head? And why does an ancient Templar scroll in his possession refer to Jesus Christ as “The Thief on the Cross?”

The answer places historian Cameron Thorne at the dangerous intersection of secret American history and modern geopolitical intrigue. Following clues contained in both ancient American artifacts and medieval European masterpieces, Cameron and his fiancée Amanda Spencer race to uncover the true secrets of early Christianity before a splinter group of Mormon zealots silence them forever.

Just as they did in "Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower," Cameron and Amanda discover, examine and interpret ancient artifacts and legends scattered throughout North America that reveal a history of European exploration long before Columbus. But how do the Burrows Cave stone carvings, the Bat Creek Stone, the Prince Madoc legend, the Book of Mormon and the Mandan tribe of “White Indians” relate to the medieval Templars? Only when they learn about the head of Baphomet and examine Leonard da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Virgin on the Rocks do the pieces finally begin to fit together.

What they learn shocks them. And may get them killed.
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(Warning: The title and subject matter are a bit controversial, and may be offensive to readers with strong Christian beliefs.)

This is a “soft” release for friends and family, priced at $2.99 for the first few weeks. My hope is that early readers will notify me of any typos and also post reviews if they like the book. The physical book will be available in a few weeks.

Wolter/Brody Talk on Dec 20; Newport Tower Illumination

2011-12-13T14:57:00.001-05:00

Scott Wolter and I will be speaking at the Bristol Masonic Lodge in North Attleboro, MA on Dec 20 at 7:30 PM. Event is open to public. We will be discussing material from our old books as well as soon-to-be-released books. And on the 19th, 20th and 21st we will be viewing the winter solstice illumination at the Newport Tower at 9:00 (hoping for clear skies on at least 1 day). Info on talk here: http://www.bristollodge.com/december2011

Westford Knight Tour July 23

2011-07-20T16:58:00.000-04:00

This Saturday 7/23 I will be leading a free tour of the Westford Knight sites in and around Westford, MA. All are welcome. Here is our itinerary:

1. 10:15. Meet at Abbot Middle School parking lot and walk to Knight carving. Address of school is 25 Depot Street, Westford.

2. 10:45. Drive to Westford library to view Boat Stone.

3. 11:15. Drive to Tyngsboro Map Stone.

4. 12:00. Drive to Druid Hill in Lowell. Brown bag lunch at park on site.

5. 1:15. Drive to America's Stonehenge in North Salem, NH. Note there is entrance fee to get in.

Obviously, folks can skip the last site or 2 if they want(yes, I realize these sites may be only tangentially related to the Knight carving). My only request is I would like a head count. People can email me at dsbrody@comcast.net .

My cell is 978-821-1023 for anyone who may need to contact me.

Dave Brody

Discovery Channel Episode--Lack of Integrity

2011-03-16T11:43:00.002-04:00

Below is a copy of the letter I sent to Engel Entertainment, the producers of the American Treasures "Westford Knight" episode that aired last night (March 15, 2011) on Discovery Channel, in which I was an on-air guest. Needless to say, I thought the production was lacking in journalistic integrity and academic rigor. I strongly advise other researchers not to participate in Engel Entertainment productions.

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Dear Mr. Heinzelman:

I want to formally voice my displeasure and disappointment regarding the American Treasures “Westford Knight” episode that aired last night (March 15, 2011) on Discovery Channel, in which I was an on-air guest. I was surprised by the lack of both journalistic integrity and academic rigor in the Engel Entertainment production. Specifically:

1. I was under the impression that the evidence both for and against the authenticity of the Westford Knight carving would be presented. Instead, through creative and sometimes fraudulent editing, the evidence in favor of authenticity was whitewashed from the record. At one point the host asked me for evidence in support of the carving. Instead of airing my response (I detailed a number of other artifacts, sites, maps, documents, geological reports, etc. supporting authenticity), the camera cut to an image of me with a blank face. At another point one of the hosts declared the carving could have been carved in the 1940s, when I had just shown him written evidence (off camera) that the carving existed as early as the 1860s. Viewers, of course, should be free to judge the evidence and reach their own conclusions. But for Engel to use the editing process to skew and even suppress that evidence displays a complete lack of integrity. In essence, Engel is committing fraud on its viewers.

2. Equally disturbing was the use of personal attacks and innuendo by the hosts. According to your hosts, I am a lawyer, so my inclination to “tell the truth” must be in question. Also, I, like other believers of alternative histories, may or may not be “bleeping crazy.” The hosts are supposed to be academic professionals, trained to observe and analyze. I didn’t realize name-calling and innuendo now constitute academic rigor.

I agreed to appear on this show as a way to enlist outside professionals to study and analyze the carving (despite the “staged” telephone call, Engel approached me about this project, not vice-versa). I was hoping the hosts might have some ideas on how to further study the artifact. At a minimum, I thought the publicity would help get the public behind efforts to preserve the artifact for future study. Instead, I find myself as an unwilling participant in a television production that is appallingly lacking in integrity, honesty and intellectual rigor.

I will be contacting the other researchers I know in this field and advising them to stay far away from Engel Entertainment projects. I would appreciate you passing this on to the appropriate members of your company, and to the Discovery Channel as well.

Sincerely,

David S. Brody

Discovery Channel--Westford Knight

2011-03-14T13:03:00.001-04:00

For those interested in the Westford Knight carving, Discovery Channel is running a show featuring the Knight and Boat Stone ths week. Series is entitled “American Treasures,” episode “Witches and White Magic.” It airs Tuesday, March 15, 7:00-7:30 on Discovery, and then will probably rerun a few times. I haven’t seen it, so I don’t know if it’s any good, but they spent a full day in Westford filming in November.

New Newport Inscription

2011-01-24T16:07:00.003-05:00

This inscription was found at low tide after a major storm in April, 2010, along the beach in Newport, RI not far from the Newport Tower. The inscription reads, "IN HOC SIGNO VINCES," which is a Latin phrase translating to, "With this as your standard you shall have victory." The slogan has been used by various military and religious groups over the centuries, including the Knights Templar. On the back side of the stone there are other markings which we have not yet identified, but one marking appears to be a Templar cross. The stone has since been reburied in the sand by the surf, but we have marked its location and will return to study it further when weather and tidal conditions allow.

Westford Event

2010-05-25T11:18:00.002-04:00

I'll be discussing Cabal of the Westford Knight at Summer Village in Westford on Thursday, May 27, at 6:30.

Swampscott Library Event

2010-03-31T13:55:00.000-04:00

I'll be speaking about the sites and artifacts featured in "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at the Swampscott (MA) Library on Wednesday, April 7 at 7:30.

Wayland Library

2010-02-24T11:18:00.002-05:00

I'll be speaking about the sites and artifacts featured in "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at the Wayland Library on Thursday, February 25 at 7:30.

Norwell & Newbury Library Events

2010-02-04T11:05:00.002-05:00

I'll be discussing the sites and artifacts featured in "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at the Norwell (MA) Library on Feb. 8 at 7:00 and at the Newbury (MA) Library on Feb. 9 at 7:00.

Duxbury and Manchester, MA Library Talks

2010-01-14T10:41:00.003-05:00

I'll be discussing Cabal of the Westford Knight and the artifacts that comprise the story at:

1. Duxbury Library, Sunday, Jan. 17, at 2:00.

2. Manchester, MA Library, Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 6:30.

America's Stonehenge in NY Times

2009-12-11T11:11:00.003-05:00

Nice article in today's NY Times regarding America's Stonehenge site in Salem, NH. For those who haven't visited, I highly recommend it as a site that appears to evidence exploration and settlement of America by ancient European peoples. The winter and summer soltice alignments are amazing, and kids will enjoy the Oracle Chamber in which a priest, hiding prone in a narrow stone chamber, spoke through a stone tube, projecting his voice in a way that it seemed to be coming from the mouth of a sacrificed animal (or human?) lying on a sacrificial stone slab.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/travel/escapes/11stonehenge.html

Groton and Acton Events

2009-12-07T12:00:00.003-05:00

I'll be signing copies of Cabal of the Westford Knight at Groton's Main Street Cafe's Author Table on Thursday, 12/10, 10:00-11:00, and at Willow Books in Acton on Saturday, 12/12, 1:00-3:00.

Booksignings, Nashua, NH and Salem, MA

2009-11-30T14:54:00.001-05:00

The Barnes & Noble in Nashua has invited me for a booksigning on Thursday, December 3 from 6:00-8:00. And on Saturday, December 5, I'll be at Cornerstone Books in Salem, MA from 1:00-3:00. Always nice to see familiar faces!

Upcoming Events--Middleborough and Nashua

2009-11-16T12:55:00.001-05:00

I have a booksigning at the Borders in Nashua, NH this Saturday, 11/21, at 2:00. Also, I'll be speaking at the Middleborough Library Tuesday, 11/17, 6:30.

Nashua Masonic Temple

2009-11-06T10:25:00.002-05:00

I'll be giving a talk about pre-Columbian exploration in America at the Masonic Temple in Nashua, NH this Saturday, 11/7, at 5:00. Public is welcome. Address is 196 Main St, Nashua.

Boston Area Library Talks

2009-10-13T10:01:00.003-04:00

I'll be speaking at a few Boston area libraries this week:

Westborough, Tu, 10/13, 7:00

Leominster, Th, 10/15, 7:00

Nahant, Sun, 10/18, 3:00

Atlantic Conference

2009-10-08T14:25:00.001-04:00

Last August I attended the Atlantic Conference in Nova Scotia and met many of the world's leading experts in the study of pre-Columbian contact in America. This year the conference is being held on-line and is this coming weekend. The list of speakers is very impressive, and I've already learned a ton from watching some of the presentations. The on-line connections are simple to make--just go here:

http://www.atlanticconference.org/

Enjoy!

Stoughton and Westborough, MA Events

2009-09-28T13:22:00.000-04:00

I'll be giving a talk about "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at Stoughton Library, Th, 10/1, 7:00. And a booksigning at Tatnuck Books in Westborough, Sat, 10/3, 1:00-3:00.

Cranston, RI Booksigning

2009-09-25T11:07:00.001-04:00

I'll be signing copies of Cabal of the Westford Knight at the Cranston, RI Borders, 1:00-3:00, on Saturday, September 26.

History Channel Documentary

2009-09-18T15:44:00.003-04:00

The History Channel will be airing a documentary Sunday, 9/20 at 8:00 entitled "Holy Grail in America." The title is overly-sensationalized, but the documentary does a good job focusing on the various sites and artifacts--most of which are discussed in "Cabal of the Westford Knight"--that evidence medieval exploration of America. I am interviewed discussing the Westford Knight and Boat Stone carvings. I think the show will be repeated frequently over the coming months. Good to see this subject getting the attention it deserves!

Dunstable Library 9/17

2009-09-15T15:14:00.001-04:00

I'll be discussing the research behind "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at the Dunstable (MA) Library, Thursday, Sept. 17 at 6:30.

Quincy Library; Danvers Library; Braintree B&N

2009-08-16T18:40:00.002-04:00

A busy week for appearances:

Tuesday, 8/18, 7:00 for a talk at the Crane Library in Quincy, MA.

Wednesday, 8/19, 7;00 for a talk at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers, MA.

Thursday, 8/20, 5:00-7:00 for a booksigning at the B&N in Braintree, MA.

Portland, ME and Cranston, RI

2009-08-13T11:35:00.003-04:00

I'll be appearing in Portland, Maine and Cranston, Rhode Island this weekend for booksignings. The Portland event is on Friday night, Aug. 14, at 6:00 at Books Etc in Falmouth, ME. On Saturday Aug. 15 I'll be at the Borders in Cranston at 1:00.

Cape Cod Event

2009-08-11T10:41:00.003-04:00

I'll be on Cape Cod at the Falmouth Library this Wednesday, August 12, at 7:00 for the "Death and Dessert" mystery panel discussion. This is always a fun, and tasty, event!

Fitchburg Booksigning

2009-08-07T14:04:00.001-04:00

I'll be discussing and signing copies of Cabal of the Westford Knight on Saturday, August 8, 2:00-3:30 at the Rabbit Hole Bookstore in Fitchburg, MA.

Talk in Salem, MA

2009-07-30T11:02:00.002-04:00

I'll be giving a talk about "Cabal of the Westford Knight" on Friday, 5:00, at the Athanaeum in Salem, MA.

Radio Interview

2009-07-24T14:22:00.003-04:00

I was a guest on Rick Osman's Oopa Loopa Cafe radio show last night. This show is devoted to pre-Columbian investigation and research. Some interesting conversation:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/oopa-loopa-cafe

Vinland Map Declared Authentic

2009-07-20T15:43:00.002-04:00

A team of Danish experts has declared the Vinland Map to be authentic. The map, dated circa 1440, depicts North America. This is consistent with the theory that the New World was known to Europeans as well as Norsemen well before Columbus. The map is housed at Yale University and has been long believed to be a fake. Here's the entire article:

http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE56G58320090717

History Channel, 9/21

2009-07-16T12:42:00.002-04:00

The History Channel will be airing a documentary on September 21 that tracks much of the research in "Cabal of the Westford Knight." The film crew came to Westford last summer to do interviews and film the local artifacts, which are featured prominently in the documentary. This article, which focuses on the Minnesota side of the story, shows some neat reeanactment scenes.

http://www.chaskaherald.com/news/entertainment/changing-history-controversial-documentary-sold-history-channel-107

Arlington, MA Library Talk

2009-07-13T12:41:00.001-04:00

I'll be giving a talk about the artifacts and research behind "Cabal of the Westford Knight" on Tuesday, July 14, at 7:00 at the Robbins Library in Arlington, MA.

Peabody Signing

2009-07-10T15:52:00.003-04:00

I'll be signing copies of Cabal of the Westford Knight on Saturday, July 11, 1:00-3:00 at the Barnes & Noble in Peabody, MA.

Book Events

2009-06-10T13:19:00.003-04:00

For those looking for Father's Day gifts or just a good beach read, I'll be signing copies of "Cabal of the Westford Knight" in Hyannis, MA this Friday, June 12, at 7:00 at Barnes & Noble. Also in Methuen, MA on Saturday, June 13, 1:00-3:00 at Borders.

Talk and Signings

2009-06-04T11:08:00.000-04:00

I'll be giving a talk about the research behind "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at the Chelmsford, MA library this Thursday night, June 4, at 7:00. On Friday, I'll be signing copies of the book at the Barnes & Noble in Boston (Prudential Ctr) from noon to 2:00 before heading up to Portland, ME for a signing at Longfellow Books at 7:00. Then on Saturday I'll be signing at Barnes & Noble in Holyoke, MA, 1:00-2:30.

2009-06-02T15:29:00.002-04:00

Book Events

2009-05-21T15:07:00.002-04:00

I'll be discussing and signing Cabal of the Westford Knight at a couple of book stores this weekend: 1) Friday, May 22, 7:00-9:00, Barnes & Noble, Braintree, MA; 2) Saturday, May 23, 11:00-1:00, Fox Tale Books, New Durham, NH.

Booksignings May 15-17

2009-05-13T11:08:00.002-04:00

I'll be signing copies of Cabal of the Westford Knight Friday, May 15, 7:00-9:00 at Barnes in Noble in Burlington, MA; Saturday, May 16, 1:00-3:00 at Borders in Shrewsbury, MA; and Sunday, May 17, 1:00-3:00 at Cornerstone Books, Salem, MA.

Booksigning in Sharon

2009-05-07T13:34:00.001-04:00

I'll be signing copies of Cabal of the Westford Knight this Saturday, May 9, 1:00-3:00 at Annie's Book Stop in Sharon, MA.

Millbury, MA--Booksigning

2009-04-30T12:25:00.002-04:00

I'll be signing copies of Cabal of the Westford Knight at the Barnes & Noble in Millbury, MA on Saturday, 3:00-5:00.

Booksigning--Portsmouth, NH Barnes & Noble

2009-04-23T12:03:00.001-04:00

I'll be signing copies of "Cabal of the Westford Knight" this Sunday, April 26, 3:00-5:00 at the Barnes & Noble in Newington (Portsmouth), NH.

Nashua Barnes & Noble--Talk and Booksigning

2009-04-16T13:11:00.002-04:00

I'll be doing a talk followed by a booksigning for "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at the Barnes & Noble in Nashua this Saturday, April 18, 1:00-2:30. As always, it's nice to see familiar faces.

Manchester and Laconia, NH--Booksignings

2009-04-08T10:33:00.002-04:00

I'll be doing a talk and booksigning at the Barnes & Noble in Manchester, NH on Friday, April 10, 6:00-8:00. Also a booksigning at Sundial Shop in Laconia, NH on Saturday, April 11, 11:00-1:00.

Templars and Shroud of Turin

2009-04-06T16:50:00.002-04:00

Interesting story yesterday that the Vatican has confirmed the Knights Templar brought the Shroud of Turin out of the Middle East during medieval times and kept custody of it for over a century in France. This is consitent with what many believe: that the Templars took many religious artifacts from Jerusalem during the Crusades and brought them back to Europe for "safe keeping." Here's a link to the story:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article6040521.ece

"Trigrammatron"

2009-04-01T14:58:00.004-04:00

For those who have read "Cabal of the Westford Knight," much is made at the end of the book of the possibility that the Tetragrammatron (the 4-letter Hebrew name of God which most know as Yahweh) may be a feminine word. This dovetails with the theory that the Knights Templar may have run afoul of the Church during medieval times because they believed in and worshiped the "feminine" aspect of the Godhead and rejected the strict patriarchal Church teachings. See the attached image, taken at Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal by Tim Suess, showing what appears to be the Tetragrammatron inside a triangle, framed by rays of light commonly denoting divinity. This image is directly overhead in the pulpit in the middle of the nave. Upon closer inspection, the Tetragrammatron is actually a Trimgrammatron, with the first letter ("Yud" in Hebrew) omitted. Without the "Yud," the word reads "Chava"--or "Eve" in English. Importantly, this Basilica is believed to have been built by Colonial-era followers of the Templar traditions. Could it be that the Basilica's Templar builders purposely portrayed the divine in a feminine form?

Booksignings/Talks--Exeter, NH and Westford, MA

2009-03-26T10:20:00.002-04:00

I'll be doing a talk and signing books this weekend in 2 places: Water Street Books in Exeter, NH on Saturday at 7:00, and the Westford (MA) Museum on Sunday at 2:00.

Coast to Coast Radio--Scott Wolter

2009-03-26T10:03:00.002-04:00

Scott Wolter, who is probably the world's leading expert on medieval exploration of America, will be speaking about the Kensington Rune Stone and related sites/artifacts in New England on Coast to Coast Radio. The show airs early this Monday morning, 1:00-4:00 EST. In Massachusetts, it is aired on 680 AM WRKO. If you happen to be awake, Scott is fascinating to listen to.

Nashua (NH) Barnes & Noble--Booksigning

2009-03-19T10:58:00.002-04:00

Booksigning this Sunday, March 22, 2:00-4:00 at the Barnes & Noble in Nashua, NH.

Talks/Booksignings--Weston and Cape Cod

2009-03-11T13:57:00.004-04:00

I have a couple of talks followed by booksignings this weekend: 1) Saturday, 3/14, 2:00 at Dragon Books in Weston, MA and 2) Sunday, 3/15, 2:00 at Titcomb's Bookshop on Cape Cod (E Sandwich, MA).

Booksigning--Framingham, MA

2009-03-03T14:15:00.002-05:00

I'll be signing copies of "Cabal of the Westford Knight" at the Barnes & Noble in Framingham, MA on Friday, March 6, 7:00-9:00.

Booksigning--Middletown, RI

2009-02-24T12:05:00.002-05:00

I'll be signing copies of "Cabal of the Westford Knight: Templars at the Newport Tower" at the Barnes & Noble in Middletown (Newport), RI on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2:00-4:00.

Newport Tower & Orkney Islands Connection

2009-02-09T16:15:00.004-05:00

Working from the premise that Prince Henry Sinclair was involved in the construction of the Newport Tower, it stands to reason that the architecture of the Tower should have similarities to that of northern Scotland, where Prince Henry ruled. Other researchers have identified the unit of measurement used to build the Tower as the Scottish "ell," and have also noted that the Tower's double flue system in the fireplace is consistent with medieval Scottish architecture. This above image of ruins of a Cistercian church at Eynhallow in the Orkney Islands (on the left), side-by-side with a Tower archway, is another eye-popping, vivid illustration of the probable Scottish origin for the Tower architecture. To make the connection to Prince Henry and the Sinclair clan even stronger, the Abbot in charge of Eynhallow in the mid-12th-century was Abbot Lawrence, previously known as Henry Sinclair of Rye.

Film Documentary

2009-01-31T12:08:00.003-05:00

Committee Films is producing a documentary that is based on much of the same research I used in writing "Cabal of the Westford Knight." The producers were chosen as the "Emerging Producers of the Year" at the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE) conference in Las Vegas based on their work on this film. Check out the trailer here: http://www.committeefilms.com/secrethistory_trailer2.html
It blew my away--I can see why it won 1st prize! The film will be out sometime this summer or fall.

"Cabal of the Westford Knight" is now live

2009-01-27T15:23:00.002-05:00

As of this week, "Cabal of the Westford Knight" is now live on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Cabal-Westford-Knight-Templars-Newport/dp/0977389871/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228244647&sr=1-1

Some nice reviews so far, which is gratifying. Even more exciting is that a number of fellow researchers from around the country have contacted me to weigh in with different observations and commentary. It seems like many people are working on proving pre-Columbian contact, all coming at it from a different angle, but all apparently meeting at the same place: How could there be absolutely no trans-Atlantic contact for 500 years between the time of the Vikings and Columbus?

Dating the Newport Tower

2008-12-11T13:38:00.003-05:00

At a recent NEARA (New England Antiquities Research Association) conference held in Newport, RI (November 7-9, 2008), an announcement was made concerning the carbon-dating of mortar found during the Chronognostic Research Foundation's dig at the Newport Tower. Apparently a piece of shell (probably used to make the mortar) was found attached to the mortar. This sample was carbon-dated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the date of 1450 plus or minus 30 years was obtained. We are awaiting the full report and more details, but obviously this is the kind of "hard science" needed to establish that the Tower predates Columbus.

Report from Atlantic Conference

2008-08-18T19:02:00.002-04:00

Just back from the Atlantic Conference in Halifax. The highlight, for me, was information provided by Native American leaders that their oral history speaks of many waves of contact, pre-Columbus, between the Native peoples and Europeans. In particular, they spoke of a late 14th-century period of contact. This, of course, is consistent with many of the artifacts and sites in New England and maritime Canada. Unfortunately, no major announcement linking the Sinclair clan and the Mi'kmaq tribe via DNA testing--apparently the research is ongoing, and it is promising, but it has not been completed yet. Even without the DNA "smoking gun," the tidal wave of evidence presented at the conference left little doubt in my mind that Columbus was, indeed, very late to the North American party.

Atlantic Conference

2008-08-06T19:18:00.001-04:00

For those interested in the study of pre-Columbian exploration of North America, the upcoming Atlantic Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia August 15-17 promises to be a special treat. http://www.atlanticconference.org/ The organizers are hinting at a major announcement--perhaps definitive DNA evidence genetically linking Prince Henry Sinclair to the Mi'kmaq tribe circa 1400?