Freemasonry In The United Kingdom

Masonic links with the County and the fraternal order can be traced back to 1646 when the Lichfield born antiquarian Elias Ashmole recorded attending his first Lodge meeting. Today there are 89 lodges and more than 2,400 members in our Province; the oldest Lodge being founded more than 200 years ago.

In addition to providing information about what we do and where and when we meet, we are open about Freemasonry. The abiding principles of the order are integrity, friendship, respect and service and all members endeavour to live by these principles. We raise money for local, national and international charities, exclusively from within our membership.

Our commitment to community service extends beyond financial contributions; we also engage in various outreach programs that support education, health, and welfare initiatives. By fostering strong connections with local organisations, we aim to make a meaningful impact and promote the values of Freemasonry in everyday life. Through these efforts, we inspire others to join us in our mission of service and brotherhood.

Welcome to the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the home of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and a number of Districts overseas.

One of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals.

For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.

Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.

Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these common goals, enabling people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes. We are one of the largest contributors to charitable causes in the country, with a noteworthy almost £1 million donated per week

Based in The United Grand Lodge of England, in London ,our extensive historical archives house a multitude of documents and records that detail the illustrious journey of Freemasonry. Members have the opportunity to explore original manuscripts, photographs, and artifacts that showcase the development of our fraternity through the ages. These invaluable resources not only serve as educational references but also highlight the lasting impact of Freemasonry on society.

The exhibitions and events illuminate the history of Freemasonry, explore its traditions and values, and reveal its significance through the ages and around the world.

Established in 1838, the museum has had a dedicated home at Freemasons’ Hall since 1933. Like most museums, only a fraction of the collection is on display. It looks after an extraordinary array of artefacts, many almost 300 years old. The collection includes the records of the United Grand Lodge of England, the Supreme Grand Chapter and various Masonic charities.