Welcome

Welcome to the Royal Black Institution website. I am very conscious that many of those who visit this website will have no previous knowledge of the Institution or its aims and objectives. Others will have had contact in one way or another and perhaps will have formed opinions based on their perceptions or personal experiences.

The website has been compiled to give accurate and hopefully interesting information to enable those who view it dispassionately, and with an unbiased mind, an understanding of our Institution.

The Royal Black Institution is totally based on the teachings of Holy Scripture and is committed to the furtherance of the Christian message of the Cross. In adhering firmly to the traditions of the Reformed Christian Faith, no offence is intended to anyone or to any group.

To view our mission statement, click here.

I trust the information contained herein may help dispel any misconceptions based on misinformation and thus lead to a greater and more accurate understanding of the purpose, aims and objectives of the Royal Black Institution.

Most Worshipful Sir Knight Millar Farr
Sovereign Grand Master

Past Sovereign Grand Masters

1846 Sir Knight Thomas Irwin
1849 Sir Knight Morris W Knox
1850 Sir Knight Thomas H Johnston
1857 Sir Knight William Johnston
1902 Sir Knight Hunt W Chambre
1914 Sir Knight Rt. Hon. William H Lyons DL JP
1924 Sir Knight Lt. Col. Sir William H Allen DSC. MP
1948 Sir Knight Capt. Rt. Hon. Sir C Norman L Stronge, Bart. HML. MC. MP
1971 Sir Knight RT. Hon. The Lord Molyneaux of Killead KBE.
1998 Sir Knight William J. Logan MBE.
2008 Sir Knight Millar Farr

RULES FOR DOCUMENTS BEING MADE AVAILABLE FOR RESEARCH

1. In principle, all documents are available to members of the Institution for inspection – exclusions are, for example, papers referring to undecided appeals, confidential papers relating to assets and legal agreements and internal disciplinary matters.
2. For those who are not members, or for members carrying out professional or commercial research, restrictions are placed on the availability of documents.
3. Documents dated on or after 1 January1975 are not available.
4. Those wishing to inspect documents are allowed to see no more than three files or books simultaneously.
5. Those wishing to inspect documents must undertake to treat them with care and respect.  In this respect, copying by electronic or other means is not permitted.
6. Callers wishing to do personal or family research or research a specific Preceptory or District are not required to make appointments, although this will be appreciated, but will be facilitated wherever possible.  However, access can never be guaranteed.
7. Those wishing access to records for academic or historical research, or who are doing so commercially or professionally, are required to make appointments  in advance.
8. Proof of identity of the person seeking access will always be required.
9. The Institution, through the Office Administrator in the first instance, and then through the Trustees, has the absolute right to refuse access at its discretion.
10. The Fee for issue of a certified copy of any paper is £5 per sheet.
11. No formal fee is charged for research, but a voluntary donation to the current Designated Charity is requested.