The book reviews the history of the Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem originally set up in the wake of the First Crusade in the early decades of the 12th century with the specific aim of helping the victims of Leprosy. It further assumed a military role participating in several military campaigns aimed at opposing the Islamic incursions in the Holy Land. After being expelled from Acre at the end of the 13th century, it established its magistracy in France. Political machinations during the 15-16th century led to the Order being split up into two major fractions - one under the direction of the French Royal house and the other under the direction of the Duke of Savoy. The French Revolution of the 18th century was to see the Order loose its French Royal Protection but retained an identity continuing to direct its philanthropic works in Haifa attracting the attention of the Melkite Patriarchy who assumed the Order's protection. It continues to exist today as an International Organization.

The Order of Saint Lazarus is a lesser known Crusader Order that saw its development in the wake of the First Crusade in the 12th century together with the more popularly known Crusader Orders - the Order of Saint John and the Order of the Temple. Its original brief in the Kingdom of Jerusalem was to succour the victims of leprosy but eventually assumed a military role. Supported by various European Royal houses, the Order expanded its range of influence to Europe. By reviewing the history using primary sources, whenever possible, one would hope that the reader would be able to identify fact from fiction throughout the historical timeline.

This book explores the important contribution of the English branch of the Order of St Lazarus, which by 1300 managed a considerable estate from its chief preceptory at Burton Lazars in Leicestershire.