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 organised 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): The Freemasons' Tavern, designed by architect Thomas Sandby, was completed in 1775. The tavern served as the meeting place for the organisation, 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 artefacts 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

In London, at 60 Great Queen Street, within Freemasons' Hall, the Museum of Freemasonry is an intriguing attraction for those with an interest in the symbolism, history, and culture of Freemasonry. By preserving and exhibiting an extensive collection of Masonic artefacts and ephemera, the museum provides a one-of-a-kind glimpse into the Freemasonry world.

In addition to permanent galleries, the Museum of Freemasonry also features temporary exhibitions. A variety of Freemasonry-related topics are available for exploration by visitors, such as the institution's historical evolution, ceremonies, symbols, regalia, and societal influence. 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: An extensive assortment of ceremonial garments, such as aprons, collars, gemstones, and more, is on display at the museum. A number of these are intricately crafted and date back to the 18^th century, 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 artefacts, 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 organisation'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 organisation.

Admission to the Museum of Freemasonry is complimentary and accessible to the general public. Those interested in learning more about the history, rituals, and symbolism of Freemasonry, as well as its function in society over the centuries, will find this an invaluable resource. Guided tours of Freemasons' Hall, which include access to the museum, are also available.

The 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 hosted runway shows, presentations, and designer showrooms for LFW events. 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.

The Freemasons' Hall served as the location for the production of several episodes of "Spooks." The stunning Art Deco and neoclassical architecture of the building served as the perfect setting for the show's covert, high-stakes operations. In various scenes, the majestic interior of Freemasons' Hall, including the Grand Temple, was prominently featured.

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 current design of 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 serves 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 sustaining damage, the building remained functional and underwent repairs after the war.

• Royal connections: A number of members of the British Royal Family, including the Duke of Sussex, the Duke of Connaught, and the Duke of Kent, have held highly-ranking positions within Freemasonry.

• Music and the Freemasons: Mozart and Haydn, among other famous composers, were Freemasons. A collection of musical artefacts is housed in the museum at Freemasons' Hall, including handwritten sheet music by Mozart 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 served 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 theatres.

• 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.