Chapter History

The Chapter was formed 2nd February 1825 and is named after the Duke of Sussex who was the first Grand master of the newly formed United Grand Lodge in 1813 (a unification of the two former Grand Lodges colloquially known as the ‘Ancients’ and the ‘Moderns’). The Chapter is linked to the Craft Lodge,  Royal Sussex Lodge 342 and both have the same serial number.

We meet under the authority of a Chapter of Constitution, granted by the Supreme Grand Chapter of England dated 2nd February 1825 in which the Following Companions were named as Founders of the Chapter, viz: Edward Wilton Z, John Begg H, THomas Lane J, Moses Davis, Edmond Bannister, George Broughton, James Pike, James Linnett, and George Moth. 

The first place of Meeting was "THe Duke of Clarence" Tavern in Quees Street Portsea.

In 2025 we celebrated our two hundredth Anniversary of Royal Arch Freemasonry as a Chapter and we have every intention of continuing and celebrating our tercentenary. Should you wish to know more about the history of our Chapter please contact the Secretary here.