About
Freemasonry

One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. It grew out of the trade of the medieval stonemasons, borrowing their tools as symbols for living a decent life. Today there are around 170,000 Freemasons in England and Wales, meeting in more than 7,000 lodges.

No. Freemasonry is not a religion, and it is no substitute for one. It does ask that a man believe in a higher power, but it leaves the question of which faith entirely to him. Men of every religion sit together in our lodges, and leave their differences at the door.

No – we are a society with secrets, which is a different thing altogether. The only secrets we keep are a few traditional words and signs. Where we meet, what we believe, where our money goes and who runs us are all matters of public record.

No. Politics and religion are the two subjects that may not be discussed within a lodge, by long-standing rule. It is one of the reasons men of very different views can become such firm friends inside one.

A meeting comes in two halves. First the business of the lodge: minutes, accounts, news of members, votes. Then the ceremony – a member takes his next step, marked with words and ritual handed down over centuries. Afterwards we dine together, which is as much a part of the evening as anything that came before.

There are three. A man joins as an Entered Apprentice, progresses to Fellowcraft, and in time is raised to the degree of Master Mason. Each step has its own ceremony and its own lessons, and a man moves through them at his own pace.

Our lodge is for men. Women are very welcome in Freemasonry through two organisations of their own – the Order of Women Freemasons and Freemasonry for Women.

For all sorts of reasons, and most find more than they came for. Some want friendship and good company. Some want to give something back. Some are drawn by the history, or by the quiet work of becoming a steadier, better man. Freemasonry has room for all of them.

You ask. We do not recruit, so the first move is always yours. Becoming a Member sets out exactly how it works. There is no commitment in simply getting in touch.