The Royal Arch – Discover More
One Journey, One Organisation
Every Master Mason should aspire to continue their journey from Initiation in the Craft to Exaltation as a Companion in the Royal Arch.
When the Antient and Modern Grand Lodges came together to form the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813 they declared that ‘Pure Antient Masonry’ consists of three degrees—the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason including the Royal Arch.
This declaration still stands at the front of our Book of Constitutions and means there are four parts to a Freemason’s journey. For historical reasons, the first three are governed by UGLE, while the Royal Arch is governed by the Supreme Grand Chapter of England—but in real terms we are one organisation.
Because of this link, our Grand Master automatically serves as the First Grand Principal in the Royal Arch, and many other senior roles are also shared.
This connection makes English Freemasonry unique around the world and represents an important part of our history and heritage. Read more…
