Freemason's Hall, Great Queen Street, London

Freemason's Hall

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) building, also known as Freemasons' Hall, is the headquarters of the UGLE and the principal meeting place for Masonic Lodges in London. Located at 60 Great Queen Street, the building has an intriguing history that spans over 250 years.

Here is a timeline of the building's history:

• Formation of Premier Grand Lodge (1717): On June 24, 1717, four London Lodges came together to form the Premier Grand Lodge of England at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse in St. Paul's Churchyard. This marked the beginning of organized Freemasonry in England.

• Purchase of land at Great Queen Street (1765): In 1765, the then Grand Lodge purchased a piece of land on Great Queen Street for the construction of a new headquarters, Freemasons' Tavern.

• Freemasons' Tavern and Hall (1775-1869): Freemasons' Tavern, designed by architect Thomas Sandby, was completed in 1775. The tavern served as the meeting place for the organization, and the first Grand Lodge meeting took place there on May 23, 1776. Later, in 1860, a new hall was added to the existing building, designed by architect Frederick Pepys Cockerell.

• The merger of the two Grand Lodges (1813): On December 27, 1813, the Premier Grand Lodge of England and the Antients' Grand Lodge (established in 1751) merged to form the United Grand Lodge of England, with the Duke of Sussex as its first Grand Master.

• Decision to construct a new building (1913): In 1913, the UGLE decided to construct a new building to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Grand Lodge. A design competition was held, and architects Henry Victor Ashley and F. Winton Newman's design was selected.

• Construction of the new building (1927-1933): The construction of the new Freemasons' Hall began in 1927, and the foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught, the then Grand Master, on July 14, 1927. The building was completed in 1933 and was dedicated to the Freemasons who lost their lives in World War I.

• World War II (1939-1945): During World War II, the Freemasons' Hall was damaged due to bombing, but the building remained functional. After the war, necessary repairs and restoration work were carried out.

• Renovations and the addition of the Museum of Freemasonry (1972-1986): In 1972, the museum area was extended, and in 1986, the Museum of Freemasonry was officially opened by the Duke of Kent, the then Grand Master. The museum contains an extensive collection of Masonic artifacts and hosts exhibitions.

Today, the Freemasons' Hall at 60 Great Queen Street serves as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and hosts various Masonic ceremonies, meetings, and events. The building is also open to the public for tours, and the Museum of Freemasonry is a popular attraction.

Museum

The Museum of Freemasonry, located within Freemasons' Hall at 60 Great Queen Street in London, is a fascinating destination for those interested in the history, culture, and symbolism of Freemasonry. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing an extensive collection of Masonic artifacts and ephemera, offering a unique insight into the world of Freemasonry.

The Museum of Freemasonry comprises several permanent galleries and hosts temporary exhibitions. Visitors can explore various aspects of Freemasonry, including its historical development, ceremonies, symbols, regalia, and the organization's impact on society. Some highlights of the museum include:

• Library and Archives: The museum houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and archives related to Freemasonry. The library is an essential resource for researchers and scholars studying the history and development of Freemasonry.

• Masonic Regalia: The museum displays an impressive collection of Masonic regalia, including aprons, collars, jewels, and other ceremonial items. Some of these date back to the 18th century and are intricately crafted, reflecting the importance of symbolism in Freemasonry.

• Ceremonial Furniture and Artifacts: The museum showcases a range of ceremonial furniture, such as Masonic tracing boards, altars, and columns, which were used in Masonic ceremonies and rituals. Additionally, visitors can view other artifacts, including glassware, ceramics, and coins, with Masonic symbols and designs.

• Paintings and Portraits: The museum's collection includes a variety of paintings and portraits featuring prominent Freemasons, such as King George IV, the Duke of Sussex, and the Duke of Wellington. The artwork on display provides a glimpse into the organization's history and the notable individuals who have been involved in Freemasonry.

• Temporary Exhibitions: The Museum of Freemasonry regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on specific themes, events, or aspects of Freemasonry. These exhibitions offer an opportunity for visitors to explore new perspectives and learn about different facets of the organization.

The Museum of Freemasonry is open to the public and offers free admission. It is a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about the history, rituals, and symbolism of Freemasonry, as well as its role in society throughout the centuries. Guided tours of Freemasons' Hall, which include access to the museum, are also available.

London Fashion Show

The hall has become a popular venue for various events, including fashion shows. One notable fashion event that has taken place at Freemasons' Hall is London Fashion Week (LFW).

London Fashion Week is a biannual event organized by the British Fashion Council (BFC) that showcases the latest collections from both established and emerging designers. It typically takes place in February (for the Autumn/Winter collections) and September (for the Spring/Summer collections) and attracts international attention from the fashion industry, press, and buyers.

Freemasons' Hall has been used as a venue for LFW events, hosting runway shows, presentations, and designer showrooms. The building's striking architecture, featuring an opulent mix of Art Deco and neo-classical elements, provides a unique and grand setting for fashion events.

The choice of Freemasons' Hall as a venue for LFW highlights the building's versatility and its ability to accommodate a diverse range of events beyond its primary function as the headquarters for the United Grand Lodge of England.

Spooks BBC Series

The BBC television drama series "Spooks," also known as "MI-5" in some countries, is a popular British spy drama that aired from 2002 to 2011. The show follows the work of a group of MI5 intelligence officers as they tackle various threats to national security. The series is known for its gripping storylines, fast-paced action, and use of real-life locations throughout London and the United Kingdom.

Freemasons' Hall was used as a filming location in several episodes of "Spooks." The building's stunning architecture, with its Art Deco and neo-classical elements, provided an ideal backdrop for the show's high-stakes, clandestine operations. The majestic interior of Freemasons' Hall, including the Grand Temple, was featured prominently in various scenes.

Bits and Bobs

The halls have a long and rich history. Here are some interesting facts, scandals, and anecdotes about the hall:

• Architectural competition: The design for the current Freemasons' Hall resulted from an architectural competition held in 1913. The winning design, by architects Henry Victor Ashley and F. Winton Newman, combined elements of Art Deco and neo-classical styles.

• WWI memorial: The Freemasons' Hall was built as a memorial to the Freemasons who lost their lives during World War I. A bronze memorial shrine in the building's vestibule bears the names of over 3,000 fallen Freemasons.

• WWII bomb damage: During World War II, Freemasons' Hall sustained damage from German bombings. Despite the damage, the building remained functional, and repairs were carried out after the war.

• Royal connections: Several members of the British Royal Family have been involved with Freemasonry and have held high-ranking positions within the organization, such as the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Connaught, and the Duke of Kent.

• Music and the Freemasons: Several famous composers were Freemasons, including Mozart and Haydn. The museum at Freemasons' Hall houses a collection of musical artifacts, including Mozart's handwritten sheet music for his Masonic compositions.

• Fashion and film location: Freemasons' Hall has become a sought-after venue for various events, including London Fashion Week, and has been used as a filming location for several television shows and movies, such as the BBC series "Spooks" and the 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express."

• The Covent Garden location: Freemasons' Hall is located in the Covent Garden area of London, which is historically associated with the arts and entertainment. The building is situated near the Royal Opera House and several West End theaters.

• Public tours and events: Freemasons' Hall offers regular public tours, allowing visitors to explore the impressive architecture and learn about the history of Freemasonry. The building also hosts various events, such as concerts, lectures, and exhibitions.