Everard des Barres

Everard des Barres, born in 1113, emerged as a significant figure in the history of the Knights Templar, serving as the third Grand Master from 1147 to 1152. His leadership was marked by a strong connection to King Louis VII of France, which proved crucial for the Templar Order's military endeavors in the Holy Land.

During the Second Crusade, Everard played a pivotal role as Master of the Templars in France, accompanying Louis VII and acting as one of the three ambassadors who negotiated the passage of the Crusader army through the Byzantine Empire with Emperor Manuel I Komnenos. His election as Grand Master in 1149 followed the death of Robert de Craon, a decision influenced by his ties to the French monarchy.

Everard's valor was evident during battles, notably when he saved Louis from the Seljuk Turks in Pisidia. His piety and influence on the king were noted by chronicler Odo of Deuil. In May 1148, Louis sought Everard's assistance in securing a loan from the Templars to sustain the French campaign, highlighting the trust placed in him.

After the unsuccessful Siege of Damascus in 1148, Everard returned to France with Louis, taking charge of the king's treasury. Meanwhile, his fellow Templars remained in Jerusalem to defend against a Turkish raid in 1149. In 1152, Everard resigned from his position and chose a monastic life at Clairvaux, alongside the esteemed Bernard of Clairvaux, eventually passing away sometime after 1176.