André de Montbard, fifth Grand Master of the Knights Templar

André de Montbard (born approximately 5 November 1097; died 17 January 1156) holds a distinguished place in the annals of the Knights Templar. He was not only the fifth Grand Master of this influential Catholic military order but also notably one of its nine founding members, a testament to his pivotal role in the Order's inception and early development.

Noble Heritage and the Crucial Link to St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Hailing from the high nobility of Burgundy, the Montbard family was a prominent aristocratic lineage in medieval France. This esteemed background provided André with significant connections and influence from birth. Crucially, André de Montbard was the uncle of the revered Cistercian abbot, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. This familial bond stemmed from André being the half-brother of Bernard's mother, Aleth de Montbard, who was married to Tescelin Sorus, a notable knight.

The relationship with St. Bernard proved immensely beneficial to the nascent Order of the Temple. Bernard, a highly influential theologian and monastic reformer, was a fervent supporter of the Templars. His eloquent advocacy at the Council of Troyes in 1129 was instrumental in the official recognition and endorsement of the Knights Templar by the Church. Furthermore, Bernard is widely credited with drafting or significantly influencing the 'Latin Rule' (Regula pauperum commilitonum Christi Templique Salomonici), the code of conduct that governed the lives and operations of the Templar knights, shaping their unique blend of monastic discipline and military prowess.

Joining the Knights Templar and Ascent to Seneschal

André de Montbard formally entered the Order of the Temple in 1129, the same year the Order received its official papal recognition at the Council of Troyes. This timing highlights his commitment from the earliest stages of the Templars' formalized existence. Shortly after joining, he journeyed to Palestine, the heart of the Crusader states and the primary operational theatre for the Templars. Here, his leadership qualities, strategic acumen, and dedication quickly became apparent. He swiftly rose through the ranks to attain the prestigious position of Seneschal.

The role of Seneschal was exceptionally significant within the Templar hierarchy, second only to the Grand Master himself. As the Grand Master's deputy and second-in-command, the Seneschal was responsible for a wide array of administrative and military duties. These included overseeing the Order’s vast properties and finances, managing its supplies and logistics, and often commanding the Templar forces in the field in the absence of the Grand Master or during major campaigns. This rapid ascent to such a critical office underscores André de Montbard’s profound capabilities and the trust placed in him by his peers and superiors.

The Pivotal Election as Grand Master Amidst the Siege of Ascalon

André de Montbard's elevation to the pinnacle of Templar leadership occurred under dramatic circumstances following the Siege of Ascalon in 1153. Ascalon, a strategically vital Fatimid fortress city on the Mediterranean coast, represented the last major Egyptian stronghold in the Levant. Its capture was a crucial objective for the Kingdom of Jerusalem, aiming to secure its southern borders and eliminate a persistent threat.

The siege commenced in January 1153, involving a combined force of Crusaders, including a substantial Templar contingent. During a daring assault on the city's walls on 16 August 1153, the then-Grand Master, Bernard de Tremelay, alongside forty of his knights, bravely but rashly breached a section of the wall that had collapsed. They were subsequently trapped and tragically slain by the Fatimid defenders. This devastating loss necessitated the immediate election of a new leader.

Just six days later, on 22 August 1153, the surviving Templar knights convened to elect their new Grand Master. Their choice fell upon André de Montbard, a seasoned veteran, a respected founder, and the highly capable Seneschal. His election was a clear reflection of his established reputation, his deep understanding of the Order's operations, and the confidence the Templars had in his ability to lead them through challenging times.

Although Ascalon eventually fell to the Crusader forces later that month, André de Montbard's tenure as Grand Master began with the heavy burden of leadership in the wake of such a significant loss and the ongoing demands of the Crusader states.

Final Years and Succession

André de Montbard served as Grand Master for a relatively short but impactful period. He passed away on 17 January 1156, in Jerusalem, the spiritual heart of the Crusader kingdom and the original seat of the Knights Templar. His death marked the end of an era, as he was the last of the Order's original nine founders to hold the esteemed position of Grand Master.

Following his demise, the Order held an election to choose his successor. Bertrand de Blanchefort, another prominent and influential figure within the Templars, was elected as the sixth Grand Master. Blanchefort continued Montbard's legacy, focusing on diplomacy and strengthening the Order's presence in the Holy Land.

Frequently Asked Questions About André de Montbard and the Knights Templar

Who was André de Montbard?
André de Montbard was a highly significant figure in the early history of the Knights Templar. He was one of the nine original founders of the Order and later served as its fifth Grand Master from 1153 until his death in 1156. He was also the uncle of the influential Cistercian abbot, St. Bernard of Clairvaux.
What was André de Montbard's role in the founding of the Knights Templar?
As one of the nine initial knights who formed the Order of the Temple around 1119, André de Montbard was instrumental in its very creation. These knights, led by Hugues de Payens, dedicated themselves to protecting Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land, laying the groundwork for what would become one of the most powerful and enduring military-religious orders of the Middle Ages.
What was the significance of his relationship with St. Bernard of Clairvaux?
His kinship with St. Bernard of Clairvaux was profoundly significant for the Templars. St. Bernard, a highly respected and influential churchman, became the Order's most prominent advocate. His powerful endorsement at the Council of Troyes in 1129 secured official Church recognition for the Templars and helped them gain widespread support and recruits across Europe.
How did André de Montbard become Grand Master?
André de Montbard was elected Grand Master in August 1153, shortly after the dramatic Siege of Ascalon. He succeeded Bernard de Tremelay, the fourth Grand Master, who was tragically killed during an assault on the city. Montbard, who had already served as the Order's Seneschal (second-in-command), was chosen for his proven leadership and experience.
What was the role of a Templar Seneschal?
The Seneschal was the second highest-ranking officer in the Knights Templar, serving as the Grand Master's deputy and principal aide. This role encompassed significant administrative, financial, and military responsibilities, including overseeing the Order's vast resources, managing its daily operations, and often leading forces in battle when the Grand Master was unavailable.