The Order of the Knights Templar, whose original purpose was to protect pilgrims to the Holy Land, was first given its own Rule in 1129, formalising the exceptional combination of soldier and monk. Both monastic rule and military manual, the Rule presented here derives from three extant medieval manuscripts, and is a translation of Henry de Curzon's French Rule of 1886. It comprises the Primitive Rule, Hierarchical Statutes, Penances, Conventual Life, the Holding of Ordinary Chapters, Further Details on Penances, and Reception into the Order. There are details of clothing, armour and equipment; instructions on conduct while on campaign; and information on the daily life of members of the order and on the discipline which made it a formidable fighting force. An introduction gives the historical background and summarises the various sections of the Rule; an appendix (by Matthew Bennett) discusses the military implications.