Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – XI cent.

The history of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem runs parallel to that of the Canons Regular of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, an institution founded by Godfrey of Bouillon himself after the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, following the First Crusade.

The first documents attesting to the investiture of Knights called “of the Holy Sepulchre” are from 1336.[4] The previous ones, relating to the Milites, were destroyed in the various sackings and fires of the holy places.

After the conquest of Jerusalem, some knights were charged with guarding and protecting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.