Die Balley Brandenburg  des rittlichen Ordens St Johannis  vom Spital zu Jerusalem (Johanniterorden) As a result of the Reformation, the Bailiwick of Brandenburg espoused the Lutheran cause and by 1580 had separated from Malta.  However, it continued its financial contributions and in 1763 was reconciled with though not recognised by Grandmaster Pinto. The bailiwick was abolished by King Frederick William III on 23 January 1811. The Bailiwick of Brandenburg was reconstituted on 14 March 1853 and placed under the protection of the King of Prussia in his capacity as Margrave of Brandenburg. In an attempt to provide continuity with the pre-1811 Order, survivors of the bailiwick abolished in 1811 were included among the first members.    more