The Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of England (often referred to as "Chapter" or  "the Royal Arch") together with Craft Freemasonry constitute ‘pure Antient Masonry’. Joining the Royal Arch completes a freemason's  journey in pure Antient Masonry.

Royal Arch Chapters meet independently of Lodges, and meet 3-4 times a year. The fees are typically considerably less than for Lodges. A Chapter is normally attached to a Lodge and members are called Companions.

As in all Masonic degrees, the ritual of the Royal Arch is an allegory. It helps to focus the minds of the Companions, without conflicting with their religious beliefs, to a contemplation of the nature of, and their relationship with their God which will be appropriate to their own religion.

A Mason may join a Royal Arch Chapter four weeks after being Raised to the Third Degree. It is the natural and traditional next step in Freemasonry. Like Craft Freemasonry, the Royal Arch is open to men of all faiths.