X Worcestershire Provincial Priory
Provincial Bodyguard
The United Religious, Military and Masonic Orders of the Temple and of St. John of Jerusalem, Palestine, Rhodes and Malta of England and Wales and its Provinces Overseas
Provincial Bodyguard
The Knights Templar Provincial Prior’s Bodyguard plays a vital ceremonial and supportive role within the Province. Tasked with escorting the Provincial Prior and senior officers during official visits to preceptories, including major events such as the Annual Provincial Meeting and bi-annual church services, the Bodyguard upholds the dignity and traditions of the Order. Their presence is marked by precision, discipline, and pride—none more visible than during the impressive Arch of Steel, where swords are drawn in honour of the Provincial Prior’s entrance and departure.
Membership of the Bodyguard is open to Knights of the Province who are keen to deepen their involvement and understanding of the Order. Often comprising newer members, the Bodyguard offers a unique opportunity for those who are enthusiastic, committed, and willing to dedicate time to the ceremonial life of the Province. It serves as a valuable platform for Knights who aspire to take on more active roles, both in ritual and in the wider life of the Province. A mentor is also assigned to help newer recruits learn the necessary skills and etiquette, making it a supportive and developmental experience.
The Bodyguard demands high standards of turnout, decorum, and drill—but in return, it offers unparalleled experiences at the heart of provincial events. It is an honour to serve, and those who do are often seen as exemplars of the Order’s values in action. In addition, membership opens the door to the exclusive Varangian Preceptory No 585, which is exclusive to past and present members of the Provincial Priors Bodyguard. — providing a lasting connection beyond active service.
Perhaps the most lasting benefit of joining the Bodyguard is the camaraderie it fosters. Strong friendships are formed through shared duties, travel, and a common commitment to service. These bonds often endure for years beyond a Knight’s formal involvement, creating a network of mutual support and brotherhood. Many senior figures within the Province began their journey within the Bodyguard, and the phrase rings true:
“Once a Bodyguard, always a Bodyguard.”
Insignia
The insignia of the Worcestershire Knights Templar Provincial Bodyguard is a richly symbolic and heraldically structured emblem composed of a sword, a shield, and a red cross pattée. Central to the design is the upright sword, depicted in pale (vertical), its blade rendered in argent (silver/grey) with a gilt hilt and pommel, suggesting nobility and honour. The sword pierces the red cross pattée, which is fimbriated in gold, representing both the Christian and chivalric heritage of the Knights Templar. The cross pattée, a traditional Templar symbol, is rendered in gules (red), a colour historically associated with warrior courage and sacrifice.
Superimposed upon the centre of the cross is an escutcheon (shield) of distinctive design. The shield is sharpened indicating martial readiness and divided per fess (horizontally), with the upper field argent (silver/white) bearing two sable (black) pear charges, and the lower field also argent, charged with a single sable pear. The division is marked by a fess sable (a black horizontal band), creating a balanced and heraldically sound composition. The three black pears are a direct reference to the historic emblem of Worcestershire, where black pears have long been symbolic of the county and granted by Queen Elizabeth I after the Battle of Worcester.