Another visit to Freemasons’ Hall made on the 5th October 2013.
Brothers Dean and David arranged another visit to Freemasons’ Hall including a tour of the library and museum. On display was an abundance of masonic artefacts including masonic jewels, tools and aprons of beautiful and various designs. Freemasons’ Hall has been the setting for many TV shows and films, including ‘Johnny English’, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy’, ‘Spooks’, ‘Sherlock Holmes’ and ‘Green Zone’. Built between 1927–1932 as a memorial to the Freemasons who died in the First World War, it is one of the finest Art Deco buildings in England. It is now Grade II* listed internally and externally.
Freemasons’ Hall is the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England and the principal meeting place for Masonic Lodges in London. Grand Lodge has been in Great Queen Street since 1775, the present Hall being the third building on the site.
After the tour the brethren and friends had lunch and then returned to the ‘world famous’ Punch & Judy where the street performers in Covent Garden can be observed from the balcony while having a drink. Built in 1787, this pub was thought to be named after the puppet show performances that took place in the nearby piazza for the children of flower-sellers – Covent Garden originally being a flower market.
Unfortunately a planned visit to Temple Church was not possible as it is not open to the public on Saturdays. Temple Church was built in the late 12th century for and by the Knights Templar as their English headquarters. More information here.
Future tours of Freemasons’ Hall may include the Grand Temple, which can seat approximately 1,700 brethren during meetings of the Grand and Provincial Grand Lodges, where the magnificent master’s chair and beautiful mosaic ceiling can be viewed. In addition to the Grand Temple there are twenty one lodge rooms and also board rooms, committee rooms and administrative offices over several floors.
