commandary

A commandary was a type of religious house or estate belonging to a military order, most notably the Knights Templar and the Knights Hospitaller. These orders, established during the Crusades, were granted lands and resources across Europe to support their military activities and charitable work. A commandary served as an administrative and economic center for these holdings.

The head of a commandary was typically called a commander. This individual was responsible for managing the estate, overseeing its agricultural production, collecting revenues, and maintaining the buildings and any resident brethren. Commanders were often knights themselves, though lay brothers or even secular administrators could sometimes hold the position, especially in later periods. The revenues generated by a commandary were sent to the order's central headquarters, often referred to as the Grand Master's seat.

Commandaries could vary greatly in size and importance. Some were substantial estates with numerous dependent manors and a large staff, while others were simply small holdings with a modest house. They played a significant role in the medieval economy and landscape, contributing to agricultural development and serving as centers of local governance. Following the suppression of the Knights Templar, many of their commandaries were transferred to the Knights Hospitaller or secular lords.