Ben Hammott Bio

I used to be a plasterer by profession. When video players became popular I opened a video film rental shop and also sold computers games and was the first shop in the Uk to rent out computer games. I set up and ran a paintball game called Combat Arena and received top marks when it was reviewed by a popular paintball Magazine. I then bought and ran a Dorset pub/hotel/nightclub, which I then sold after 5 years of building up the business.

In 1997 I heard about the Rennes-le-Château Mystery from a TV documentary hosted by Henry Lincoln. It concerned a 19th century priest, Bérenger Saunière (1852-1917), who found a parchment hidden in his church by a previous priest, that then led him to discover something that turned him from a penniless priest into a wealthy man. Furthermore, the story is that before his death in 1917, he hid clues in the decorations of his church leading to what he had discovered that made him rich, and also a great treasure. The Knights Templar had been present in the area around Rennes-le-Chateau so the priest's wealth has been linked to their lost treasure the King of France failed to find when he had them all arrested in 1307. When the documentary had finished, I researched the Saunière mystery and soon decided I would visit the small French village of Rennes-le-Chateau to have a look for myself. There was a treasure to be found after all.

It wasn't long after entering the church that I noticed something everyone else seemed to have missed, a sign that would help decipher Sauniere's clues. Eventually I was led to the discovery of a Tomb, complete with a mummified corpse and chests of gold, that may have Knights Templar connections. The French authorities have been approached to work out the details for a full excavation of the Tomb. The full details of my Research and Discoveries are in my book Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar - Read Chapter 1PDF

Praise for Lost Tomb of the Knights Templar

"This book is good to read, I enjoy it so much. It make me laugh and so very interesting I read it again. I very much like the so many photos. I want more to read." F.T.G Finland

"Hi Ben, I just finished your book, I love it, fascinating & fun." (JG)

"Hello Ben. I just finished reading your book in January. I am very impressed with it and it was probably my favorite read of 2008! I think the photos included in your book made me understand the findings in more detail, good job. It was very well written, and I thoroughly enjoyed your sense of humor throughout the book, regardless of the seriousness of the topic. ." (Josh Speers)

"I was a skeptic, and then I read your book, I am a skeptic no longer. I absolutely loved the book and your writing style. What an exciting quest you have been on and thank you for sharing it." (DW Canada)

"... one of the best books I have read in many a year..." (Ali New Zealand) - "One of the best books I have read...Beg, borrow or buy this book... you will not be disappointed". (Alan Scott)

"Wow! What a great story of treasure hunting and adventure, and sprinkled with humor it is a book i couldn't stop reading. (Saul UK)

"Great book, buy it!" (Shadowfox) - "Fantastic book, well done Ben." (T.P)

"Congratulations! Absolutely amazing! I love it! Well done Ben, well done!" (Holger - Germany