The Bossall Treasure Armchair Treasure Hunt Prize: A Golden Lorraine Cross

In 2014, Douglas Pearson hid a Golden Lorraine Cross somewhere in the UK.  The book, The Bossall Treasure, is an armchair treasure hunt book which includes eleven clues leading searchers to its secreted location.  Anyone who discovers this location hidden in the book can claim the cross. There is no need to travel.

But what is the Golden Lorraine Cross and how does it relate to the story?

The Golden Lorraine Cross is a two-barred cross.  There are various styles, but the one within the Bossall Treasure hunt book consists of a vertical line crossed by two horizontal lines near the top.  The two horizontal bars are of different length.  The top one is shorter than the second, and both appear above the central mark of the vertical line.  It is also a budded and jeweled Lorraine Cross; meaning the ends of each bar are not straight off, but budded, and contain 8 small diamond like gemstones.  (Like shown on book cover).

The symbolic meaning of the extra top bar (the shorter) is most often explained to represent the plaque bearing the name of Jesus during his crucifixion.  Pontius Pilate had ‘Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum’ (INRI) Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews) placed above him on the cross.  This extra bar often symbolizes that placement.

Another common representation to the bars is also known.  Some feel the lower/longer bar is a symbol for the crucifixion of Jesus while the higher bar symbolizes his resurrection.  And still another explanation for the extra bar is that the top bar represents secular power, while the lower bar symbolizes ecclesiastic rule. This last symbolism dates to the Byzantine Empire in the 9^th century– and is believed why the Duke of Lorraine took this style of cross in the late 12^th century.  It was to represent his royal power.  It is also why it is called the Lorraine Cross; the kingdom first to use the cross as its personal sigil.

The Bossall’s treasure cross is of this double barred shape, and relatively small in size.  Shown in the back of the book and said to be in actual size, searchers realize it is only about 4 inches high and 3 inches wide.  The small cross could be hidden in any small nook or cranny!  Such the reason why discovering and solving all the clues in the book are so very important.  It would be extremely difficult for anyone to happen upon the small treasure by chance.

Although some of the book, The Bossall Treasure, is non-fiction and relates to actual historical events, people, and happenings, the part about the Lorraine Cross in the book is fiction.  This was confirmed to me by the author.  While preparing to ask him Six Questions for the website MW, I had asked Mr. Pearson the following question.  His answer follows.

Q) As The Bossall Treasure is known to be Fiction and Non-Fiction, may I ask if the story of the ‘Cross’ is Fiction? I realize the treasure buried in the Moat around Bossall Hall is authentic, but have assumed the cross is fiction for the hunt. However, is that for sure correct?

A) The Cross is fiction

Now, to be clear, not all about the Cross is fiction in the book.  Just the story surrounding it.

We are told in The Bossall Treasure book that in 1146 AD, Pope Eugenius III, granted the use of the Patriarchal Cross of Jerusalem to the Templars.  This is indeed true.   The Lorraine Cross is one of the symbols or crosses Knights Templars wore on their cloaks during the crusades.

What is false in the book is the story about a Golden Lorraine Cross being worn by the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, James de Molay, and it being a gift from the Pope.  This is said to be the Cross we are looking for.  Wonderful adventurous tale, and excellent fun, but fiction.

Whether a complete original or not, it is still a ‘lost treasure’ and remains to be found!

It has been waiting to be found since 2014!  Who is going to find The Bossall Treasure?  Will it be you?