The Conventual Bailiffs and Their Departments

Abstract

The early Hospitallers had experimented with titles for their great officers. Those of chancellor, constable, butler and seneschal did not survive, except occasionally as subsidiary figures in the entourages of leading brothers.¹ In their place, five bailiwicks, administered by a grand commander, a marshal, a hospitaller, a drapier and a treasurer, gradually came into being, the holders of which were appointed by and answerable to the chapter general.² Their number was increased in the early fourteenth century by the elevation of the turcopolier and the creation of the post of admiral. Another great officer, the conventual prior, was not answerable to the chapter general and was therefore not subject to the same restrictions. The idea that a pattern can be traced in the careers of successful Hospitaller brothers — in which they tended to hold conventual posts when young, before proceeding to the higher offices in Europe — has recently been demolished. In its place it has been proposed that the important offices of grand commander and marshal were usually reached after senior experience elsewhere; that the post of drapier was one such ‘spring-board’ position; and that treasurers, whose expertise was valuable, could hold their offices for quite long periods.³