The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta in England and Wales and Provinces OverseasProvince of Kent
The First Kent Bodyguard MessThe first Kent Bodyguard Mess was held on 7th of March 2025 at the Honourable Artillery Company head Quarters in London.
The assembled Bodyguard were welcomed by E.Kt. Mark Wright on the steps of the entrance of the active H A C soldiers Quarters and then taken down to the motor pool of the Artillery Company to view the 25 pounder Guns and vehicles under the sports field.
The Knights were then directed to the Bronze Bust of Queen Elizabeth II and given a very interesting story involving the Late Queen. We were escorted to the impressive entrance to original head quarters of the HAC where we found the coat of arms of King Charles III and all the pervious Captain Generals of the HAC since King Henry VIII.
Afterwards the Knights were treated to a brilliant tour of the Artillery Museum that had many display cases of uniforms and memorabilia from the origin of the Company in 1537 to the present day. A side room displayed the fantastic Silver treasures of the Company including Trophy’s and Silver Plate.
The Knights were lead by our host the E.Kt. Mark Wright to the Medal room that displays an impressive array of passed Soldier’s Medal’s from conflicts around the world including many Victoria Crosses. The Knights then enjoyed a drink in the HAC Bar called the Sutling room.
Lunch was called and the Knights departed to the Long room for a generous three Course lunch with plenty of fine wine. After a filling lunch and great camaraderie we reassembled in the Drum room for Port and further explanations of the day to day working of the Company by E.Kt. Mark Wright. We descended the remarkable Grand Stair case with a beautiful stain glass window and In Memoriam Display book of all the members of the HAC who lost their lives in conflict, proceeded to the Armoury where the ceremonial Pikes and Muskets are stored; our host dressed the Kt. Alan Wolvey in the Armour of a Pike man to demonstrate the weight and splendour of the Armoured plate work and size of a pike.
The V.E.Kt Dennis Dean sincerely thanked E.Kt. Mark Wright for such an excellent tour and well-presented day in the drum room.
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