The Military Order of the Crusades was founded 15 August 1934 to record and honor the menand women who participated in the Crusades between 1095 and 1291 and to commemorate theirsacrifices for the cause of Christianity.
The Military Order of the Crusades (MOC) is a separate organization operating under theaegis of the Baronial Order of Magna Charta (BOMC). MOC merged with BOMC on 6 June1998 but continues parallel operations with BOMC serving, in effect, as advisor. The CrusaderCommander is the top MOC official.
Applicants for membership as a Crusader shall be men or women of proven lineal descent fromone or more of the Crusaders of Knightly or Higher Rank who participated in one or more of theregular and/or interim Crusades between 1096 and 1291, and who made great personal sacrifices,endured great hardship and performed heroically. Applicants for membership as a Crusader mayalso establish eligibility by proving lineal descent from the spouse of any Crusader of Knightlyor Higher Rank who accompanied the Crusader on a Crusade. Such qualifying spouses include,but are not limited to, the following: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Ida of Cham and Emma Fitz Osbern.