Each of these bailiffs held a high office; thus the Bailiff of Provence was always the grand commander of the Order.

He controlled the expenditure, superintended the stores, and was governor of the arsenal.

The Bailiff of Auvergne was the commander-in-chief of all the forces, army and navy.

The Bailiff of France was the grand hospitaller, with the supreme direction of the hospitals and infirmaries of the Order, a hospital in those days signifying a guest house.

The Bailiff of Italy was the grand admiral, and the Bailiff of England was chief of the light cavalry.