Reginald Birch
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Reginald Birch (1705 – 1757) was the Grand Master of the British Rite of the Templar Order, and a successful English businessman.
Biography
Early Life
Birch was born in England in the year 1705, the son of a London merchant. Following in his father's footsteps, he began his dealings at a young age, and by the time he had reached his mid-20s, Birch owned several merchant ships; mainly involved with the dealing of tea to the British American colonies. Later on in his life, Birch would progress to own several businesses around London.
Recruiting Haytham
Birch met Haytham Kenway, son of Birch's Assassin rival Edward Kenway, at a young age. In 1733, on Haytham's eighth birthday, Birch accompanied the Kenway family as they were walking home from a trip to White's Chocolate House on Chesterfield Street, when the group were attacked by a mugger. Birch threatened to kill the man, whose attempt to rob Tessa of her necklace had failed. However, he was dissuaded by Edward, who was infuriated at Reginald's harsh vigilantism. At the time, Birch was a potential suitor to Haytham's half-sister, Jenny Kenway, as well as an associate of Edward and, as such, visited the Kenway Manor often. One such time he had a discussion with the young Haytham, who unknowingly revealed the location of his father's most prized and hidden possessions. Haytham later heard his father and Birch arguing in loud voices, ending with Birch storming out of the office. When the Kenway household was attacked, Birch arrived just in time to prevent one of the attackers from delivering a killing blow to Haytham, however, the attackers did manage to kill Edward, kidnap Jenny, and destroy the Kenway Manor by setting it aflame. He then recruited Haytham into the Templars after the death of Edward Kenway, personally involving himself with the boy's training by bringing him to Europe.[1]
Grand Master
- "Go forth, Haytham - and bring honor to us all."
- ―Birch to Haytham, shortly before Haytham's trip to America.[src]
In 1754, Birch attended the musical The Beggar's Opera, by John Gay, in the Theatre Royal in London. Birch proclaimed his happiness at the play's revival, reffering to it as Gay's "best work by far". Birch then ordered Haytham to obtain a "precursor" artifact from an attending patron and member of the Assassin Order, Miko.
After Haytham had retrieved the key to the undisclosed Grand Temple, Birch secured passage to Boston for Haytham to find the First Civilization storehouse and establish a permanent Templar presence in British America.[2]
Death
Once Haytham had discovered the truth of Birch's involvement in the kidnapping of his half-sister, Jenny Kenway, and the murder of his father, the Templar stormed Birch's chateau with Jim Holden and Jenny. Following this, Birch was killed by Jenny, via a sword that Haytham had embedded into Birch's bedroom door (killing the guard on the other side) prior to a struggle between Reginald and the woman.[1]
Gallery
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Reginald Birch with the Grand Temple key.
Reference