Trinity House

The Corporation of Trinity House was incorporated by Royal Charter by King Henry VIII on 20 May 1514, and our governance was placed in the hands of 13 members: a Master, four Wardens and eight Assistants. In the James I Charter of 1604, this number was raised to 31, as it stands today, with the addition of 18 Elder Brethren. Elder Brethren are sworn in from the ranks of over 400 Younger Brethren and retain the title for life. The Elder Brethren form the Court of the Corporation of Trinity House. The Elder Brethren are composed of Wardens, ‘Assistants to the Court and ‘Eminent’ Elder Brethren – the first two categories, in addition to being members of the Court are also members of the Corporate Board and trustees to the Trinity House Charities. Some of them are also members of the Lighthouse Board. They tend to be Master Mariners or Naval Officers. Eminent Elder Brethren are members of high renown, and have traditionally included Royalty and Prime Ministers.