Temple Church, London
The Knights Templar acquired much of their wealth by acting as an early form of cash point. They accompanied people making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. These people didn't want to carry all their wealth with them and risk being robbed, so they gave their money to the Temple Church, and were able to make withdrawals on the way. Hence the acronym ATM: Automatic Templar Machine! (That last line was a joke, but you get the point. Their innovative financial techniques were an early form of banking)
The Knights Templar acquired much of their wealth by acting as an early form of cash point. They accompanied people making pilgrimages to the Holy Land. These people didn't want to carry all their wealth with them and risk being robbed, so they gave their money to the Temple Church, and were able to make withdrawals on the way. Hence the acronym ATM: Automatic Templar Machine! (That last line was a joke, but you get the point. Their innovative financial techniques were an early form of banking)