In November, four Surrey Knights travelled down the M4 to Bath to attend a meeting of the Camp of Antiquity Encampment. The meeting was held in the Masonic Hall, Old Orchard Street, Bath, an old converted theatre.



There were many Provincial Priors present from a number of Provinces in the South West along with many Knights present to witness this very special ritual.



The meeting opened with the Temple in darkness. Two Knights were then seen in the gloom walking up and down the North and South sides of the Encampment, as if patrolling the battlements. After a challenge the Encampment was opened in a very different and interesting way.

After welcoming the RE Provincial Prior for Somerset and other RE Provincial Priors the Eminent Commander of the Encampment received the Somerset Sword of Chivalry from Selwood Preceptory No 244.

Then followed an Installation of a Companion into the Order.



The Installation Ceremony was very similar to that practiced in Surrey, apart from a few minor differences. However the most striking part of the Ceremony was when the Candidate retired to meditate upon the ceremony through which he had just passed to prepare himself for the honour of Knighthood.

He was taken into a small Chapel to listen to Scripture readings. The visitors were invited to witness this part of the ceremony before the candidate was left alone for a few minutes to meditate.

Following the ceremony of Installation the RE Provincial Prior for Somerset presented a number of Bro Knights with their Great Priory and Malta Patents.

The Encampment was then closed in a very interesting way with all the Knights of the Encampment forming a circle around the Sepulchre. This was very similar to the closing of a Lodge of Knight Beneficent of the Holy City, or a Rose Croix Chapter.



Kt. Neil Bonter; E.Kt. Mark Winchester, Prov. Deputy Marshal; E.Kt. Chris Eley, Prov Marshal; E.Kt. Tim Ford, Prov. Standard Bearer (B)

Article and photographs by Chris Eley
Provincial Marshal