Jacques+of+Molay

Jacques de Molay was the Grand Master of the Templar order during its dissolution by Pope Clement V in 1312. He lead the order from 1292 until 1312. Phillip IV had Jacques de Molay burned at the stake when he retracted his false confession given in 1307 when the high profile Templars were rounded up and tortured.

What was important was his attempt to redirect the emphasis of the Templars. As support for the crusades dwindled, the Templars were loosing the niche in society. Molay attempted to reform the order. However, Phillip IV sought the Templar wealth for the French treasury and the Knights were disbanded.