Brief Biography
Gilbert of Assailly led the Hospitallers in the 1160s.
Life and service to the Order
He backed King Amalric’s Egyptian campaigns; their failure burdened the Order with debt and prompted debate over its military commitments. His tenure shows how decisions about defence and resources affected the Order’s ability to sustain its hospital mission.
In this period the Hospitallers maintained a hospital and defended their communities in the Holy Land. Their base shifted to Acre after the loss of Jerusalem, and to Cyprus after the fall of Acre in 1291.
The further development in Jerusalem
Frà Gilbert d’Assaily — from Further Development of the Order
From Blessed Gérard and his “Everlasting Brotherhood”.
Historical context: Order of Malta, The Grand Masters; History of the Order.
Further images from the archive
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