Three Ancient Orders Working Together
Over 900 Years of Inspiration

A Brief History of Ordo Sancti Joannis Hospitalis
(Defenders of Health)



Prior Sir Joe Cox
Merchants of Italy obtained permission in 1048 to establish a hospital in Jerusalem for the purpose of caring for the poor and sick pilgrims who came to visit the Holy City. Peter Gerard of Florence, Italy, became the first rector of the hospital in 1093. He laid the foundation for a brotherhood, which consisted of young noble men from Germany, France, Spain, and England.

In 1113 Pope Paschal II issued a papal bull recognizing the Brotherhood as an independent Knightly Order with Raymond de Puy as its first Grand Master.

The first battle fought by the Knights Hospitaller in 1119 at Antioch and ended with a defeat of the Moslem forces. Many more battles were fought against the Infidels together with the Knights Templar and the Teutonic Knights.

In 1291 the Knights Hospitaller moved their headquarters to the Island of Cyprus and became known as the Knights of Cyprus. Then in 1311 the Knights of Cyprus moved their headquarters to the Island of Rhodes and became known as the Knights of Rhodes.

Karl V., the Holy Roman Emperor (House of Habsburg), donated the Island of Malta to the Order in 1530, and then the Order was known as the Knights of Malta.

In 1913 Grand Duke Alexander of Russia was elected the 71st Grandmaster
followed by Col. Paul de Granier de Cassagnac as the 72nd Grandmaster.

In 1965 His Majesty, King Peter II of Yugoslavia (1923-1970) claimed the 73rd Grand Mastership of the Knights Hospitaller, Ordo Sancti Joannis. More History.