What were the daily routines of the Knights Templar

The Knights Templar followed a strict monastic-military routine blending prayer, work, and discipline:

Daily Schedule 4:00 AM: Rise for Matins (night prayer). Horse care: Grooming and tending to warhorses immediately after Matins. 6:00 AM: Prime (first daytime prayer), followed by Mass. 9:00 AM: Terce (third hour prayer). Noon: Sext (midday prayer), then a silent meal with Bible readings. 3:00 PM: Nones (ninth hour prayer). 6:00 PM: Vespers (evening prayer), followed by dinner. 9:00 PM: Compline (night prayer), then wine/water before bed. Midnight: Lights out, with candles burning to deter "temptations".

Diet: -Meat (beef, ham, bacon) allowed 3x/week to maintain strength. -Vegetable-based meals (with eggs, cheese, and grains) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. -Fasting on Fridays and from November 1 to Easter.

Work: -Horse training, armor maintenance, and administrative tasks between prayers. -Idleness forbidden; even meals included paired eating to monitor fasting.

Silence: -Mandatory during meals and from Compline to Matins. -Boasting and idle chatter prohibited.

Discipline: -Clothing: Plain habits (no pointed shoes or ornamentation). -Chastity: Dormitories lit at night, knights slept fully clothed. -Obedience: Leaving the preceptory required Master’s permission.

This regimented life, governed by a Rule expanding from 72 to 700+ clauses, balanced monastic devotion with military readiness.