There is evidence that after the suppression of the Templars in France on Friday October 13, 1307, many escaped Phillip’s grasp.
The story is that most escaped through England to Scotland where they were protected. England resisted the pressure from the French Pope for a long time. And apparently gave warning to those who were in England.
I've been reading a series of Medieval mysteries by Michael Jecks, that take place in the Devon and Cornwall areas. They feature a former Templar Knight Sir Baldwin Furnshill, who has returned home and been given the title Keeper of the King's Peace. Only his servant (they'd fought together in the Crusades), and his close friend Simon Puttock, the local Bailiff, know of his past.