The Ancient and Accepted Rite is believed to have
originated in France in the late eighteenth century. It was
worked in the USA where a Supreme Council was formed in
1801.
The Supreme Council for England and Wales was established
in 1845 under a patent from the Supreme Council of the
Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of
America.
Throughout England and Wales and certain Districts and
Chapters Overseas the Order is governed by the Supreme
Council 33º whose headquarters are located at No.10
Duke Street, St. James' London.
The Ceremonies comprise 33 Degrees entirely separate and
distinct from any other Order. The three Craft Degrees are
accepted as equivalent to the first 3 Degrees of this
Rite.
The 4º to 17º Degrees are given by name only,
prior to the detailed and beautiful 18º Degree
ceremony. This is the only degree permitted to be worked in
a private Rose Croix Chapter.
Degrees above the 18º are awarded on merit after a
brother has passed the Chair of his Chapter and are
undertaken at the headquarters in London.
'Rose Croix' is a Christian Order of Masonry which amplify
the teachings of Craft Masonry within a Christian context.
For this reason candidates must profess the Trinitarian
Christian Faith and are required, prior to any formal
consideration of their candidature, to sign a declaration
to this effect.
The Regalia for the l8th degree is both simple and
spectacular and comprises a rose pink edged collar with
gold braid embroidered with various symbols in gold braid.
A jewel is appended to the collar. From time to time you
will see Rose Croix aprons, but these are no longer worn in
most private Chapters, the cost of these very ornate aprons
being the prime reason for their discontinuance.