This painting of Christ proved extremely difficult to photograph, being behind a protective plastic screen. It has hung in the church since 1956. Carbon dated to circa AD 1280, it was probably used by the Knights Templar for religious rites in the preceptory which stood in this village, (Templecombe) The preceptor was responsible for managing Templar estates; admitting new members to the order and the training of men and horses for service in the crusades. The painting was found in 1945, and was thought to have been used as a lid to a chest at one point, though what was stored in it is anybody's guess. The marks of hinges and a keyhole are seen. One of the legends of the Knights, is of the finding of Christ's earthly remains; the Holy Grail legend maybe a part of that, and it may come from excavations that they did in Jerusalem. Notice that in this painting, Christ's mouth is open; he is thought to be speaking to you. Note: this is possibly the only wooden relic truly attributed to the Knights Templar. This panel-painting is mentioned in the book: "The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail" by Henry Lincoln, Richard Leigh and Michael Baigent, Published 1982, with numerous reprints. Another possibility recently written, is that this is not the head of the Christ but that of John the Baptist; how probable? One can only say that it conforms to other medieval portrayals of the +Christ+, with the set of the eyes and the forked beard noticeable in all. I have slightly enhanced this photo with more contrast. (First enhancement)