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About the Supreme Grand Chapter

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The Supreme Grand Chapter of England governs Royal Arch Masons in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, operating from Freemasons’ Hall. It functions independently with its own finances and administration while maintaining close ties to the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). Senior UGLE officers also serve in equivalent roles within the Supreme Grand Chapter, with the Grand Master known as the First Grand Principal. Annual convocations occur on the second Wednesday in November and the day after the Grand Lodge's Annual Investiture. Key officers include HRH The Duke of Kent as First Grand Principal, Jonathan Spence as Pro First Grand Principal, and Sir David Wootton as Second Grand Principal. The Supreme Grand Chapter fosters friendly relations with foreign Grand Chapters but does not formally recognize them. Companions visiting abroad must possess a Grand Chapter Certificate and a Clearance Certificate, while chapters hosting international visitors must verify their credentials, particularly for those from the Swedish or Scandinavian Rite.

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December 7th, 2025

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February 10th, 2026

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External source: www.ugle.org.uk

About the Supreme Grand Chapter

The Supreme Grand Chapter of England is the governing body of Royal Arch Masons in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, located at Freemasons’ Hall. It operates as a separate organization with its own finances and administrative structure, but maintains close ties with the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). Senior officers in UGLE, such as the Grand Master and Grand Secretary, also hold equivalent positions in the Supreme Grand Chapter, where the Grand Master is referred to as the First Grand Principal.

Convocations of the Supreme Grand Chapter are held annually on the second Wednesday in November and the day following the Annual Investiture of Grand Lodge.

Key Officers:

  • HRH The Duke of Kent KG, GCMG, GCVO, ADC: First Grand Principal since 1967.
  • Jonathan Spence, DL: Pro First Grand Principal, installed in 2022.
  • Sir David Wootton: Second Grand Principal, installed in 2024; previously Deputy Grand Master.
  • Gareth Jones, OBE: Third Grand Principal, installed in April 2016; former Provincial Grand Master in South Wales.
  • Matt Hampson: President of the Committee of General Purposes, appointed in 2024.
  • Adrian Marsh: Grand Scribe E, also Grand Secretary in UGLE, appointed in 2022.

Foreign Grand Chapters: The Supreme Grand Chapter maintains friendly relationships with most foreign Grand Chapters but does not formally recognize or exchange representatives with them. Companions from recognized Grand Lodges can visit chapters abroad with the appropriate documentation, including a Grand Chapter Certificate and a Clearance Certificate.

Chapters hosting visitors from overseas should verify their constitution and ensure visitors have the necessary credentials. Visitors from Swedish or Scandinavian Rite must have completed their Sixth Degree to attend an English Royal Arch meeting.