Gilbert of Assailly

Gilbert of Assailly (d.1183) [Steven Runciman, "A History of the Crusades" vol.II p.384, note, days Gilbert was drowned off Dieppe.] 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, [ [http://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1491/ whc.unesco.org] ] [ [http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early%20History%20-%20Archaeology/Belvoir%20-%20A%20Crusader%20Fortress%20Overlooking%20the%20Jord www.mfa.gov.il] ] at Kawkab al-Hawa, now Beit She'an, and otherwise expanded their fortifications. [ [http://www.nullens.org/content/view/274/49/ The Book by Gilles C H Nullens - Part 3: The Knights of Malta - 3.2 Jerusalem ] ] Gilbert also began regulating the constitution of the order. [ [http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=22121 Religious Houses - House of Knights hospitallers: British History Online ] ]

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.

Note