Grand Priory details

The Grand Priory of England and Wales

The Order first became formally established in England in about 1146 when the Earl of Arundel granted land in Norfolk to the Order. When the Earl's friend, Sir Roger de Mowbray, returned from his second crusade he also granted the Order a manor and lands for the foundation of a leper hospital at Burton in Leicestershire. This Preceptory, actually founded in 1157, became known at Burton Lazars, a name that remains to this day. Henry II also granted the Order a charter for rights in Lincolnshire at about the same time.

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In 1544, during the latter part of Henry VIII's "reformation of the church", St. Lazarus was dissolved in England and Wales, as was all of the other great Religious Orders. Its assets were seized by the crown, and Burton given to one of the King's current favourites, Lord Lisle. This effectively removed the Order from England and Wales. It took over 450 years for the Order to return.

In 1960 the Order was reintroduced into England when the Lord Mowbray, Segrave, and Stourton, a direct descendant of the original crusader knight Sir Roger de Mowbray, was appointed Grand Prior of England and Wales by the the Grand Master. The current Grand Prior is the Right Hon. the Earl Ferrers PC GCLJ DL. The Order's Honorary Grand Chaplain is the Archbishop of Canterbury, as was also the late Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster.

Membership of this Christian Order of Chivalry is an honour, and one that can be shared by all who are deemed worthy. Our membership is ecumenical, and open to all practising Christians, regardless of denomination or sex, and includes many married couples. Members are drawn from all professions and callings, all having the understanding that they are prepared to give service to the Order. Membership requires a commitment to work for the good of the Order by supporting its activities to the extent of one's abilities, whether this be by raising funds, devoting time to the Order's charitable works, or by prayer.

Principal Officers of the Grand Priory of England and Wales

Grand Prior:	The Rt. Hon. the Earl Ferrers PC, GCLJ, GCMLJ, GCrLJ, DL
Grand Prior Emeritus:	His Grace, the Duke of Westminster KG, OBE, TD, GCLJ, GCMLJ, DL
Grand Prior Emeritus:	His Serene Highness, Prince Paul Odescalchi GCLJ
Honorary Grand Chaplain:	The Most Reverend and Right Hon. Dr Rowan Williams PC, GCLJ (Archbishop of Canterbury)
Chaplain-General:	The Revd. Canon David W. Skeoch AChLJ GOMLJ
Deputy Chaplain-General:	Father Ian Evans SChLJ, MMLJ, SCF
Deputy Chaplain-General:	The Revd. Gareth Powell SChLJ.
Bailiff:	Sir Antony Reardon-Smith Bt. GCLJ, CMLJ
Bailiff Emeritus:	Professor Colin J. Coulson-Thomas KCLJ, CMLJ
Bailiff Emeritus:	Major Basil C. Bicknell TD, GCLJ, CMLJ
Chancellor:	The Reverend Canon Jeremy Haselock ECLJ, OMLJ
Chancellor Emeritus:	The Very Reverend Fr. Sergius Scott ECLJ, GOMLJ, MSM.
Chancellor Emeritus:	Robin G. Otter GCLJ, GOMLJ
Marshal:	Lt Cdr Tim Boughton RN OStJ CLJ
Juge d'Armes :	Colonel Dr. Colin Wilson TD, KLJ
Keeper of Insignia:	Alan J. Culverhouse CLJ.
Hospitaller:	Dr Michael F.R. Waters OBE, KCLJ, GCMLJ, MA, MB, BChir, FRCP, FRCPath
Deputy Hospitaller:	Colonel Dr Anthony J. Hamilton TD, OLJ, MB, BS, LRCM, FRCS, FRCOG
Deputy Hospitaller:	Barbara Robinson OLJ, OMLJ
Secretary-General:	The Deputy Robin Sherlock KCLJ, MMLJ
Receiver-General:	David Wheeler CLJ.
Justiciar:	Michael J. Stewart KLJ, CMLJ
Almoner:	The Reverend Peter L. Bustin SChLJ.
Registrar & Communication Officer:	Gareth R. Vaughan KLJ
Crucifer & Webmaster:	Allan J. Woodliffe SBStJ KLJ, OMLJ
Editor Grand Priory Newsletter:	Robin Hobbs OLJ
Archivist:	Frederick Rapsey CLJ

The Saint Lazarus Charitable Trust

Chairman:	David Mansel Jones CStJ, KCLJ, OMLJ
Treasurer:	Jonathan Prichard KLJ
Secretary:	Gareth Vaughan KLJ.
Trustees:	David Wheeler CLJ.
	Gerald Murphy KCSG GCHS KLJ.
	Margaret A. McCaldin DLJ JP.