c. 1230–1291 · Grand master of the Knights Templar (1273–1291)
William of Beaujeu
Grand master of the Templars; he advocated diplomacy with the Mamluks, was one of the leading commanders of the defence in the siege of Acre in 1291, and died of his wounds.
BIOGRAPHICAL DOSSIER
Life and historical role
Life and political setting
From one of the noble families of the Beaujolais, William was related to the French royal family. After long service in the Templar order he was elected grand master in 1273 and attended the Second Council of Lyon in 1274.
Role in the Crusades
In Acre he supported Charles of Anjou's claim to the crown of Jerusalem and was drawn into political rivalry with the king of Cyprus. Through his contacts at the Mamluk court he learned of Qalawun's plans of attack in advance, and after the killings of 1290 he advised meeting the sultan's demands. In the 1291 siege he died of a wound received in the final assault on 18 May.
Historical significance and source problems
William's life and death are described in detail in the work of the author known as the “Templar of Tyre”, who served as his secretary. As one of the last great Templar masters in the Latin East, he became a symbol of the order's collapse at Acre.
Biographical information is linked to the sources shown on the page and to the connected event records. Disputed dates are given as approximate, gaps are not filled by conjecture, and later literary or visual depictions are not treated as contemporary portraits.