GERARD (c. 1040-1120)  , variously surnamed Tura, TUNc, TENQUE or THOM, founder of the order of the knights of St John of Jerusalem (q.v.), was born at Amalfi about the year 1040 . According to other accounts Martigues in Provence was his birthplace, while one authority even names the Chateau d'Avesnes in Hainaut . Either as a soldier or a merchant, he found his way to Jerusalem, where a hospice had for some time existed for the convenience of those who wished to visit the holy places . Of this institution Gerard became guardian or provost at a date not later than Iroo; and here he organized that religious order of St John which received papal recognition from Paschal II. in 1113, by a bull which was renewed and confirmed by Calixtus II. shortly before the death of Gerard in 1120 .