As a judge, the Master of the Rolls is second in seniority in England and Wales only to the Lord Chief Justice.

[7] One residual reminder of this role is the fact that the Master of the Rolls of the day continues to serve, ex officio, as President of the British Records Association.

The Master of the Rolls was also previously responsible for registering solicitors, the officers of the Senior Courts.

[8] One of the most prominent people to hold the position was Thomas Cromwell, a highly influential figure during the reign of Henry VIII; more recently, Lord Denning held the position for 20 years, from 1962 to 1982, and made sweeping changes in the common law.

The current Master of the Rolls is Sir Geoffrey Vos, who took office in January 2021.