Jacques de Molay - Youth

Youth

Little is known of his early years, but de Molay was probably born in Molay, Haute-Saône, in the county of Burgundy, at the time a territory ruled by Otto III as part of the Holy Roman Empire, and in modern times in the area of Franche-Comté, northeastern France. His birth year is not certain, but judging by statements made during the later trials, was probably between 1240 and 1250. He was born, as most Templar knights were, into a family of minor or middle nobility. It is said he was dubbed a Knight at age 21 in 1265 and that he was executed in 1314 at age 70. These two facts lead to the belief that he was born in 1244.

In 1265, as a young man, he was received into the Order of the Templars in a chapel at the Beaune House, by Humbert de Pairaud, the Visitor of France and England. Another prominent Templar in attendance was Amaury de la Roche, Templar Master of the province of France.

Around 1270, de Molay went to the East (Outremer), though little is remembered of his activities for the next 20 years.

Read more about this topic:  Jacques De Molay

Famous quotes containing the word youth:

    Colleges, in like manner, have their indispensable office,—to teach elements. But they can only highly serve us, when they aim not to drill, but to create; when they gather from far every ray of various genius to their hospitable halls, and, by the concentrated fires, set the hearts of their youth on flame.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)

    Advice you take from me comes to you crutched
    Like a beggar youth zealous for old age.
    Allen Tate (1899–1979)

    Rebellious hell,
    If thou canst mutine in a matron’s bones,
    To flaming youth let virtue be as wax
    And melt in her own fire.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)