What is the role of the inner guard

The office of Inner Guard was added to the roster of lodge officers following the Union of 1813, at which time the officer was historically armed with a short blade 1. Stationed on the inside of the entrance door, the Inner Guard shares the responsibility of guarding the lodge room alongside the Tyler, who stands outside 1.

In current practice, the officer is positioned inside the lodge room to the left of the Senior Warden and reports to the Junior Warden, as an article on the Regional Grand Lodge of Northern India's website notes. The office is mandatory within lodges governed by the Grand Lodge of India as well as UK lodges.

The duties of the Inner Guard focus primarily on regulating admission once the lodge has been opened. An article on the Regional Grand Lodge of Northern India's website records that the Inner Guard checks with the Tyler by means of a challenge to confirm that everything is in order before entry is permitted, and announces to the lodge when any brother or candidate seeks to enter. The United Grand Lodge of England states that the Inner Guard also ensures candidates are prepared before they step into the lodge.