The Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem was established in the aftermath of the First Crusade of 1098. It was subsequently organized into a military and hospitaller Order with several establishments in various European countries all subservient to a central house sited first in Jerusalem, then Acre, Boigny, Paris and Spain. The Order was led throughout the centuries by a series of masters or grand masters. It has also enjoyed a number of Royal and Spiritual Protectors.