Grand Master Francisco Ximénez de Texada was the 69th Prince and Grand Master of the Order of St John, ruling Malta between 1773 and 1775. His short but turbulent reign marked one of the most challenging periods in the later history of the Knights of Malta, culminating in rebellion, political unrest, and ultimately his burial within the Grand Masters’ Crypt of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Early Life and Background
Francisco Ximénez de Texada was born on 13 October 1703 in Funes, in the Kingdom of Navarre (modern Spain). He joined the Order of St John as part of the Langue of Aragon and rose through the ranks to become Grand Prior of Navarre and Seneschal under Grand Master Manuel Pinto da Fonseca.
His long service within the Order established him as a respected, though stern and uncompromising, figure. These characteristics would later define his leadership as Grand Master.
Election as Grand Master (1773)
Ximénez was elected Grand Master on 28 January 1773, following the death of Manuel Pinto da Fonseca. His appointment came at a time when Malta was facing serious financial difficulties caused by the costly and extravagant policies of his predecessor.
As Grand Master, Ximénez attempted to restore financial stability through austerity measures. However, these policies would prove deeply unpopular among both the Maltese population and members of the Order.
in the Wignacourt Museum, Rabat, Malta.
The Crisis of His Reign
The reign of Ximénez de Texada was marked by widespread dissatisfaction. His policies included reducing salaries, imposing restrictions on hunting, and attempting to regulate food supplies in response to economic hardship. These measures triggered unrest across Malta.
By 1775, tensions escalated into a significant uprising known as the “Rising of the Priests”, led by Don Gaetano Mannarino. The rebellion briefly seized strategic positions in Valletta before being suppressed by the Order.
Although the revolt was ultimately unsuccessful, it highlighted the deep divisions between the Grand Master, the clergy, and the Maltese population.
Death and Burial (1775)
Grand Master Ximénez died on 9 November 1775 at the age of 72, reportedly from illness following the unrest of his reign.
Unlike most Grand Masters, his burial was highly unusual. He was interred in the Grand Masters’ Crypt beneath St John’s Co-Cathedral, but without the elaborate monument typically granted to leaders of the Order.
Historical records confirm that:
- He was buried in a lead-lined coffin within the crypt
- No prominent tomb or monument was erected
- His grave remained unmarked for centuries
This absence of a formal tomb is considered highly unusual, as most Grand Masters were commemorated with elaborate funerary monuments within the cathedral.
The Mystery of the Unmarked Tomb
For many years, historians believed that the exact location of Ximénez’s burial was unknown. However, modern research and conservation work within the crypt have clarified this mystery.
During restoration works in the early 21st century, a coffin believed to belong to Ximénez was discovered within the crypt. This confirmed that he had indeed been buried there, despite the lack of a visible tombstone.
Records indicate that a pavement stone once marked his burial site, but this marker was either removed or lost over time.
Why Was His Tomb Unmarked?
The reasons behind the absence of a formal monument remain uncertain, but several theories exist:
- His unpopularity among both the Knights and the Maltese people
- The political turmoil during his reign
- The financial difficulties of the Order at the time
Contemporary accounts describe him as stern, authoritarian, and often unpopular, which may have contributed to the lack of posthumous honour.
The Grand Masters’ Crypt
The script in Latin reads
D.O.M.
FRATRI DOMINO FRANCISCO XIMENEZ DE TEJADA Y ESLAVA
MAGNO MAGISTRO
MDCCLXXIII – MDCCLXXV
OBIIT MDCCLXXV
Translated to English
D.O.M.
To God, the Best and Greatest
Fratri Domino Francisco Ximenez de Tejada y Eslava
To Brother Lord Francisco Ximenes de Tejada y Eslava
Magno Magistro
Grand Master
MDCCLXXIII – MDCCLXXV
1773 – 1775 (his rule)
Obiit MDCCLXXV
He died in 1775
The Grand Masters’ Crypt, located beneath the high altar of St John’s Co-Cathedral, serves as the burial place for many of the early leaders of the Order of St John. It is one of the most historically significant spaces in Malta.
The crypt contains:
- Tombs of early Grand Masters from the 16th and 17th centuries
- Marble sarcophagi and inscriptions
- Later commemorative plaques and floor slabs
Ximénez’s burial within this space confirms his place among the leaders of the Order, even if his memory was not honoured in the same way as his predecessors.
Legacy of Francisco Ximénez de Texada
Although his reign was short and controversial, Ximénez remains an important figure in Maltese history. His leadership highlights the challenges faced by the Order during the late 18th century, a period marked by economic strain and declining influence.
His rule also foreshadowed the eventual decline of the Knights’ power in Malta, which would culminate in the French invasion of 1798.
Today, his story is a reminder that not all leaders are remembered through grand monuments — some are preserved through the historical record and the physical traces of their burial alone.
Visiting the Crypt
Visitors to St John’s Co-Cathedral can view the Grand Masters’ Crypt from within the cathedral. Although Ximénez’s tomb is not visibly marked, the crypt remains a powerful historical space that reflects the legacy of the Knights of Malta.
👉 Explore more: St John’s Co-Cathedral Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Francisco Ximénez de Texada buried?
He is buried in the Grand Masters’ Crypt beneath St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta.
Does he have a tomb monument?
No, his grave was unmarked and lacked the elaborate monument typical of Grand Masters.
When did he rule Malta?
He served as Grand Master from 1773 to 1775.
What major event occurred during his reign?
The Rising of the Priests in 1775, a rebellion against his rule.
When did he die?
He died on 9 November 1775.