Why are they named Elder Brethren and Younger Brethren?
When Henry VIII granted the Royal Charter in 1514 he tasked his trewe and faithfull subjects, shipmen and mariners of this Our Realm of England to begyn of new and erecte and establish a Guild or Brotherhood of themselves or other persons as well men as women, whatsoever they be. Thereby the idea of Brothers or Brethren was established. The hierarchy of the organisation is Master, Deputy Master, Wardens, Elder Brethren and Younger Brethren. Currently the Master of Trinity House is His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. In 2009 he celebrated 40 years of being the Master. The Deputy Master is Rear Admiral Sir Jeremy de Halpert. The Wardens are Captain Duncan Glass and Captain Nigel Pryke. The Elder Brethren are traditionally the assistants to the Wardens, Deputy Master and Master. Younger Brethren are traditionally assistants to the Elder Brethren.
