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Secrets and Symbols: London’s Historic Masonic Sites

 



London is home to several significant Masonic landmarks, each with a rich history and architectural significance. Here are some notable ones:

Freemasons' Hall

  • Location: 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ
  • History: This grand Art Deco building serves as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England. It has been a meeting place for Freemasons since 1775 and was rebuilt in the 1930s as a memorial to Freemasons who died in World War I.
  • Features: The building houses the Museum of Freemasonry, which contains artifacts, regalia, and historical documents related to the fraternity.

Museum of Freemasonry

  • Location: Within Freemasons' Hall
  • History: This museum showcases Masonic artifacts, including items made from fragments of historic London buildings damaged during the Blitz, such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the City of London Guildhall.
  • Features: Exhibits include a wooden beam from the Goose and Gridiron tavern, where the first Grand Lodge was founded in 1717.

The Grand Lodge of England

  • Location: Great Queen Street, London
  • History: Established in 1717, this lodge has been a central institution for Freemasonry in England. It was even visited by King George III in 1809.
  • Features: The building includes a large theater and a library with over 200,000 volumes related to Freemasonry.

Freemasons Arms Pub

  • Location: Covent Garden, London
  • History: This historic pub has long been associated with Freemasonry and serves as a gathering place for members.

Cleopatra’s Needle

  • Location: Victoria Embankment, London
  • History: A fragment of granite from this famous Egyptian obelisk is displayed in the Museum of Freemasonry as part of an exhibit on Masonic history.

Mark Masons' Hall

  • Location: 86 St James's Street, London SW1A 1PL
  • History: This serves as the headquarters for the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales. It houses several appendant orders of Freemasonry and is located opposite St James's Palace.

Severndroog Castle

  • Location: Castle Wood, Shooters Hill, London SE18 3RT
  • History: This Gothic tower was built in the 18th century as a memorial to Commodore Sir William James, a Freemason. It offers stunning views of London and is a hidden gem for those interested in Masonic history.

Freemasons Arms Pub

  • Location: Covent Garden, London
  • History: A historic pub with strong Masonic connections, often frequented by members of the fraternity.

Westminster Abbey

  • Location: Westminster, London
  • History: While not exclusively Masonic, Westminster Abbey has been associated with Freemasonry due to its architectural symbolism and historical connections.

The Old Bell Inn

  • Location: Fleet Street, London
  • History: This pub was built by Sir Christopher Wren, a Freemason, for the masons who worked on St. Bride’s Church.



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