Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim
Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim, O.S.I. (9 November 1744 – 12 May 1805) was the 71st Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller, formally the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, by then better known as the Knights of Malta. He was the first German elected to the office. It was under his rule that the Order lost the island of Malta to France, after ruling there since 1530. This effectively marked the end of their sovereignty over an independent state, dating from the time of the Crusades.
His Most Eminent Highness, Fra Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim, O.S.I. | |
|---|---|
| Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller | |
| In office 17 July 1797 – 6 July 1799 | |
| Preceded by | Emmanuel de Rohan-Polduc |
| Succeeded by | Paul I of Russia (de iure ecclesiae) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 November 1744 Bolheim, Electorate of Cologne, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 12 May 1805 (aged 60) Montpellier, Hérault, First French Empire |
| Resting place | Montpellier, Hérault, France |
| Nationality | German |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Order of Saint John |
| Years of service | 1761–1799 |
| Rank | Grandmaster |
| Battles/wars | French invasion of Malta |
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