The
Order of Aubrac was a
hospitaller and
military order founded, with its headquarters at
Aubrac in the
Diocese of Rodez, in the mid-twelfth century. The
Augustinian rule was approved for the order by the bishop in 1162. Its original purpose was to safeguard the local hospital for pilgrims on the
Way of Saint James and on their way to
Rome. Though never large, the
Knights Hospitaller failed in several attempts to annex it and it remained independent and operational until the
French Revolution, when it disappeared.
The monastery and hospital (Hôtel-Dieu) that served as the Order's headquarters was called the Dômerie d'Aubrac. It was founded in 1031 by
Adalard, Viscount of Flanders, who was beset by brigands while passing through the
County of Rouergue on his way to
Compostela. Eventually it was attended by a collection of priests, knights, lay brothers, ladies, and lay sisters. Satellite hospitals, called "
commanderies", were established at
Bozouls,
Milhau,
Nazac, and
Rodez.