where did the office of inner guard come from in the craft and what are his duties

The office of Inner Guard developed during the eighteenth century from an earlier custom where the youngest Entered Apprentice guarded the door of the lodge from the inside, as historical research published by Quatuor Coronati Lodge suggests. Following the Union of 1813, the Inner Guard was officially established as a lodge officer, initially armed with a short blade as part of an adjustment to the Outer Guard's traditional weaponry 1. Waite defines the Inner Guard as the keeper of the lodge on the inside of the portal, distinguished by a jewel depicting crossed swords 2.

The duties and presence of the Inner Guard vary by jurisdiction. Modern United Grand Lodge of England materials state that the primary duties of the Inner Guard include ensuring that candidates are properly prepared before they enter the Lodge room, and UGLE regulations list the Inner Guard as one of the standard regular officers appointed within a Craft Lodge. Active lists for the Grand Lodge of India confirm the appointment of Grand Inner Guards and Regional Grand Inner Guards within its Craft jurisdiction as well. In contrast, Mackey observes that the American system generally dispenses with the Inner Guard, entrusting the care of the inner and outer doors to the Senior and Junior Deacons instead 1. Under standard lodge governance, no communication may pass through the portal except through the door following a regular report and the direction of the Master 1.