The Forgotten English Crusader Order: Knights of Saint Thomas

Introduction

When people think of the Crusades, names like the Templars or the Hospitallers come quickly to mind. Yet few have heard of the Hospitallers of Saint Thomas of Canterbury at Acre — a distinctly English chivalric order, rooted in religious devotion and military service. Formed during the heat of the Crusades, this brotherhood carved out a lesser-known but fascinating legacy in the history of medieval England and the Holy Land.

Origins in the Holy Land

The Order of Saint Thomas of Acre was established in Acre in 1191, amidst the Third Crusade. Unlike other orders founded on continental soil, this one was English from inception — a spiritual and military body dedicated to Saint Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury.Their mission combined charitable work (running a hospital) with armed protection of Christian pilgrims. Much like their contemporaries, the Knights of Saint Thomas were both monks and warriors — living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, while serving the Church with sword in hand.

A Uniquely English Character

What made the Order stand apart was its national identity. The knights were predominantly English, and their headquarters moved to London after the loss of Jerusalem. They maintained strong ties to the Crown and the Church of England.Their London base was located on Cheapside, one of the city's most important medieval streets — an unusual urban seat for a chivalric order, blending military-religious function with civic presence.

Surviving After the Crusades

While many orders dwindled after the Crusader States fell, the Knights of Saint Thomas adapted. They shifted focus toward charity, education, and support of English religious institutions. Their presence remained steady in London through the 14th and 15th centuries, a rare survival in a time of decline for most knightly institutions.Unlike the Templars — who faced dissolution and persecution — the Knights of Saint Thomas managed to retain royal favour, avoiding suppression for several more centuries.

The Order’s Legacy Today

Though no longer a military force, the Order’s spiritual and cultural mission endures. In modern times, it has been revived as a ceremonial and charitable order, continuing its dedication to Christian values, tradition, and heritage. The story of the Knights of Saint Thomas offers a uniquely English lens on the Crusades, one that deserves recognition alongside the more famous continental orders. Their quiet strength, enduring piety, and national character make them an essential chapter in Britain's chivalric history.