Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim — Grand Master

Archive image of Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim

Brief Biography

Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim was Grand Master when Napoleon's fleet seized Malta in 1798.

Sources: Order of Malta: The Grand Masters; Wikipedia: Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller.

Life and service to the Order

The loss of the island ended more than two and a half centuries of Hospitaller rule there and sent the Order into exile.

The loss of Malta in 1798 forced the Order to preserve its institutions without its former island territory. Leadership and recognition of the office became central questions in this period.

Commémoration historique - Ferdinand von Hompesch.

THIRTY TARI'. 1798

Obv. F FERDINANVDVS HOMPESH MM-
Bust of Grand Master, r.
Rev. HOSPITAL ET S SEP HIER-
Arms of the Grand Master placed on a double-headed eagle holding
in each beak a Tau cross and surmounted by a royal crown.
The date 17-98, and the value T.-30 flank the crown.

FERDINAND VON HOMPESCH, 1797-1798. 30 Tari 1798, Malta. FERDINANDVS - HOMPESCH M M Geharnischte und drapierte Büste l., auf der Brust das Malteserkreuz, darunter ein Punkt. Rv. HOSPITAL - ET - S - SEP HIER Gekrönter Doppeladler mit Malteserkreuzen in den Schnäbeln und quadriertem Wappen auf der Brust, oben 17 - 98 und die Wertangabe T - 30. 29,65 g. RS 8. Schembri 3. Dav. 1611. Schöne leichte Patina.
Fast Stempelglanz

Schembri vermutet, dass die Taler Ferdinands mit dem Punkt unter der Büste in der Zeit der französischen Besatzung Maltas geprägt wurden und so von den tatsächlich unter Ferdinand geprägten unterschieden werden konnten.

Grand Master Ferdinand de Hompesch (1797-98), a German, was weak and irresolute. He was not the fight person to face the oncoming storm. In 1797 all Europe, with the exception of England, was at Napoleon's feet. However, the Emperor's eyes were set on the East and Egypt was to be his base of operations. For this he needed naval supremacy in the Mediterranean. The capture of Malta was essential to Napoleon and once again the island became a coveted fortress. The Maltese were prepared to resist the French but both munitions and provision were denied to them by order of the Grand Master. On June 11, 1798 Hompesch capitulated. A few days later, the Grand Master and what was left of the once proud and powerful order, left their impregnable fortress of Malta and sailed away.

This is Hompesch Gate which is a triumph arch built as a monument for the last Grand Master of Malta Ferdinand von Hompesch. He visited Zabbar in September of 1897 during the feast. In a week's time he ordered Zabbar a city, and it bears his name till today - Citta' Gratiosae Hompesch.