Guillaume de Beaujeu

Biography

Guillaume de Beaujeu (c. 1230 – May 18, 1291) was the twenty-first Grand Master of the Temple, serving from 1273 to 1291. He was born in the Beaujeu region in France into an important noble family related to King Louis IX of France and Charles I of Anjou, king of Sicily.

Early Life and Career

De Beaujeu entered the Templar Order at the age of 20, beginning as a commander in the province of Tripoli in 1271. He later became the master of the Templar Province of Apulia and Sicily in 1272. Although he did not initially travel to the Holy Land, he was elected Grand Master on May 13, 1273, and arrived at San Giovanni d'Acri in September 1275.

Conflict with Ugo III of Cyprus

In 1279, de Beaujeu entered into conflict with Ugo III of Cyprus, who confiscated Templar property on the island. This dispute lasted for approximately 20 years and was only resolved when Jacques de Molay became Grand Master of the Order.

Policies in Favor of Muslim Rulers

During his tenure as Grand Master, de Beaujeu implemented policies that favored Muslim rulers. He took advantage of the Mongol invasion to extend Templar influence, aiming to take time and gain an upper hand in the region.

Relationship with Sultan Malik al-Arshaf

Despite being enemies, Sultan Malik al-Arshaf referred to de Beaujeu as "true and wise" in a letter dated 1290. This suggests that de Beaujeu maintained diplomatic relationships with various rulers, both Western and Eastern.

Death

Guillaume de Beaujeu died on May 18, 1291, during the Siege of Saint-Jean-d'Acre. His secretary, the Templar of Tyre, noted that under his leadership, the Temple was "honoured and feared."