Gilbert of Assailly

Gilbert of Assailly (died 1183)[1] was Grand Master of the Knights Hospitallers from 1162/3 to 1170, when he resigned or was deposed. During his time at the head of the Hospitallers, they purchased the land for Castle Belvoir,[2][3] at Kawkab al-Hawa, north of Beit She'an, and otherwise expanded their fortifications.[4] Gilbert also began regulating the constitution of the order.[5]

His is principally remembered for his militant attitude to the invasion of Egypt, proposed by Amalric I of Jerusalem. The 1168 expedition turned out disastrously, and Gilbert's position became untenable.

Notes

  1. ↑ Steven Runciman, A History of the Crusades vol.II p.384, note, days Gilbert was drowned off Dieppe.
  2. ↑ whc.unesco.org
  3. ↑ www.mfa.gov.il
  4. ↑ The Book by Gilles C H Nullens - Part 3: The Knights of Malta - 3.2 Jerusalem
  5. ↑ Religious Houses - House of Knights hospitallers: British History Online