The Masters of the Templar Order : André de Montbard (o1103 ? - 1156+)
Master of the Templar Order from 1153 to 1156
He was born around 1103 at Montbard Castle in Burgundy. He was the son of Bernard I of Montbard(1) and Humberge of Tonnerre d'Angoulême(2). His elder sister, Alèthe of Montbard, was the mother of Saint Bernard de Clairvaux.
Source : Histoire des ducs de Bourgogne de la race capétienne, avec des documents inédits et des pièces justificatives. T. 4 / par Ernest Petit - Gallica
The latest research by historians on the origins of the Templar Order indicates that it was indeed present in the Holy Land as early as 1120, and therefore from the very beginning of the Order's existence. Indeed, it is believed to have been sent, along with Geoffroy de Saint-Omer, to Pope Calixte II as a representative of King Baldwin II of Jerusalem. This embassy failed to gain papal recognition for the fledgling Templar militia, but the Pope nevertheless issued a bull calling for a crusade, which prompted Fulk V of Anjou to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
In 1124 or 1125, Baldwin II once again sent André de Montbard and Geoffroy de Saint-Omer to Europe, bearing a letter addressed to Bernard of Clairvaux. This embassy, sent to seek recognition for the newly created militia, was equally unsuccessful. It would take another two years and the journey of Hugh de Payns to Europe to bring about the recognition of the Order and the Council of Troyes, which would formalise it and give it its Rule.
From 1148 onwards, he is mentioned in letters and charters as Dapifer (or seneschal) of the Order of the Temple.
He became Master of the Order after Bernard de Tremelay's death during the siege of Ascalon in 1153.
He is said to have accepted this appointment for the sole purpose of countering the election as Master of the Order of another Knight Templar, favourite of the King of France, Guillaume de Chanaleilles(3).
André de Montbard was an elderly knight, weary after spending nearly 35 years in the ranks of the Militia of the Temple of Jesus Christ.
His magisterium was not particularly active, and in 1156 he abandoned his position to retire to Clairvaux Abbey, as Evrard des Barres had done, where he died a few months later in October 1156.
