A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which operates under the control of its own central authority.
[1] Another Charter of Compact was established in 1862, reading "Under the Banner of the Grand Conclave of Masonic Knights Templar of England and Wales" where it was agreed to give precedence to the Baldwyn Preceptory as a Provincial Grand Commandery with the powers to work all knighthood degrees of the Baldwyn Rite, including that of 'Knight Templar' and 'Knight of Malta'.
The final degree, that of VIIº, is the Knight of the Rose Croix of Mount Carmel, which is worked in Bristol under warrant from the Supreme Council 33°.
[2] The Grand Superintendent of the Rite of Baldwyn is, by virtue of his office, always the Provincial Prior of the Knights Templar in the Masonic Province of Bristol.
Members of the III°, IV°, V° and VII° wear a special breast jewel unique to the Baldwyn Rite, which comprises a Maltese Cross of silver, which is suspended from a black ribbon.
Members of the VII° also wear a special apron with a pelican emblem, which used to be worn in the 18° of the Ancient and Accepted Rite but has been discontinued there.