Bertrand de Blanchefort
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Bertrand de Blanchefort or Blanquefort (c. 1109-January 2, 1169) was the sixth Grand Master of the Knights Templar, from 1156 until his death.
He was the younger son of Godfrey of Blanchefort, a knight of Aquitaine. He succeeded André de Montbard, and introduced reforms to the Rule of the Order. He obtained from the Pope the right to use the title "Master by the grace of God", and to carry the baton known as the Abacus. During his rule, he fought against Nur ad-Din, and was taken prisoner after King Baldwin III of Jerusalem was defeated at Banyas in 1157. He was held in captivity for three years in Aleppo before being released to Byzantine emperor Manuel I Comnenus when the emperor made peace with Nur ad-Din.
Bernard accompanied King Amalric I during the expedition against Egypt in 1163. The expedition ended in failure and a treaty was negotiated by the Templars. Because of this treaty, Bernard refused to participate in a second expedition in 1168.
He died on January 2, 1169, and was succeeded by Philip of Milly.
| Preceded by: André de Montbard |
Grand Master of the Knights Templar 1156–1169 |
Succeeded by: Philippe de Milly |
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