There are four degrees in the "Cryptic series" which are
worked in Councils under the jurisdiction of the Grand
Council of the Order of Royal and Select Masters.
The Cryptic Rite was introduced into England in the 1870s.
Whilst part of the ceremonies had been worked in the North
of England in the 18th and 19th Centuries the complete rite
as a sovereign body existed only in the USA and formed part
of the "York" or American rite.
The first Book of Constitutions was published in 1874
although it was not until 1930 that the regalia was
standardised.
The Cryptic degrees can be said to fill part of the void in
the progression between the Craft ceremonies and the Royal
Arch ceremony. The four degrees worked are the Select
Master, the Royal Master, the Most Excellent Master, and
the Super Excellent Master.
Select Master
In order to protect the Jewish treasures, King Solomon
builds a secret vault in which to store them. This degree
covers an incident during the building of the vault.
Royal Master
The event and consequences of the death of the Grand Master
Hiram Abif. To many members of Royal and Select Masters,
the ceremony of the Royal Master includes one of the most
impressive pieces of ritual, undertaken by the Principal
Conductor of the Work, surpassing even that of Principal
Sojourner in the Royal Arch.
Most Excellent Master
The completion and dedication of the Temple at Jerusalem,
and the gradual disappearance of the secret vault into the
realms of legend.
Super Excellent Master
Jerusalem and the Temple are besieged by a Chaldean army
and is on the point of capture and destruction.