Jacques de Molay

Jacques de Molay (est. 1244-5/1249-50 - 18 March 1314) a minor Frankish noble, served as the 23rd, and officially last, Grand Master of the Knights Templar, and is probably the best known Templar besides the Order's founder and first Grand Master, Hugues de Payns. Upon his election before 20 April 1292, he promised to reform the Order and adjust it to the present situation in the Middle East. However, problems started to amass and the Order's right to exist was put into question. Jacques de Molay failed to successfully lead the Order through the inquisitions made against it, and was burnt at the stake on an island in the river Seine in Paris 18 March 1314 by the orders of Philippe le Bel (Philip the Fair) after retracting all of his previous confessions. Nothing is known of about two thirds of his life.

Related Topics:
1244 - 5 - 1249 - 50 - 18 March - 1314 - Frankish - Noble - Grand Master - Knights Templar - Hugues de Payns - 20 April - 1292 - Middle East - Inquisitions - Seine - Paris - Philippe le Bel

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