Reginald Birch

Reginald Birch (1705 - 1757) was the Grand Master of the British Rite of the Templar Order, and a successful English businessman.

Operating primarily from the Templar headquarters in London, Birch was responsible for the recruitment and training of Haytham Kenway, who was the son of Birch's employer Edward Kenway, a prominent Assassin.

In 1754, Birch ordered Haytham to travel to British America to find a First Civilization storehouse after the retrieval of its key. This expedition led to the establishment of a strong Templar presence in British America, and later the United States.

Early life
Birch was born in England in 1705 to 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 shipment of tea to British America.

Birch met Haytham 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 on Chesterfield Street, when the group were attacked by a mugger.

Birch threatened to kill the man, whose attempt to rob Tessa Kenway of her necklace failed. However, he was dissuaded by Edward, who was infuriated at Birch'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 a frequent visitor of the family's home.

One such time, he had a discussion with a 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 assailants 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. Birch then volunteered to train Haytham in Europe after the death of Edward, with Tessa's permission, where he personally inducted Haytham into the Templars and taught him of its functions.

Tenure as Grand Master
"Go forth, Haytham – and bring honor to us all."

- Birch to Haytham, shortly before Haytham's trip to America.



In 1754, Birch attended the musical , by John Gay, in the Theatre Royal in London. Birch proclaimed his happiness at the play's revival, refering 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 Haytham's passage to Boston for him to find the First Civilization storehouse and establish a permanent Templar presence in British America.

Death
Once Haytham discovered the true nature of Birch's involvement in the kidnapping of his half-sister and the murder of his father, the Templar stormed Birch's residence in France with Jenny and his close friend Jim Holden. Once inside the manor, Birch engaged in a struggle with Jenny, before she eventually killed him with a sword that Haytham had planted in a door.