The origins of Freemasonry in England date back as far as 1646 when the first documented evidence of a freemason was recorded. Elias Ashmole from Warrington is the earliest documented freemason although Masonic scholars speculate that the true beginings date further back than this.

The First Grand Lodge

There is evidence of more smaller lodges dating after this period but it wasn't until 1717 when a collection of 4 lodges in London amalgamated to form the first Grand Lodge and appoint the first Grand Master Anthony Sayer.

Over the next 20 years both Ireland and Scotland had set up their own Grand Lodges and smaller lodges had grown across towns and cities in the corresponding countries.

However, in 1751 a new Grand Lodge was formed in London by mainly Irish masons who claimed that the original Grand Lodge was not operating according to the rules !

The two lodges co-existed in London for the next 63 years without either side recognising the other.

The United Grand Lodge of England

In 1813 after much deliberation the two sides decided to amalgamate and form the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). This helped to standardise the rituals and procedures of modern day Masonry.

Masonry by this time had spread its wings and lodges in many different countries around the world appeared and began following the leadership of the UGLE.

The War Years

Following the two world wars the growth of the masonic movement was evident as hundreds of new lodges began to emerge across the nation as returning servicemen wanted to recapture the camaraderie of the war years.

HRH The Duke of Kent

In 1967 - The Grand Lodge celebrated its 250th anniversary at the Royal albert Hall and HRH The Duke of Kent was installed as the Grand Master - a position he still holds to this day.

An avid and active mason HRH Prince Edward was born in 1935 and is a cousin of both the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

HRH holds the title of First Grand Principal and celebrates his 45th masonic anniversary next year.

1992 - Today

In 1992 on the 275th anniversary of the UGLE the television cameras were allowed in to film a meeting of the Grand Lodge and the programme was broadcast to viewers around the world. Over 12,500 masons were present at the Earls Court celebrations.

Masonry continues to grow across many nations of the world as bretheren look for calm in an ever changing world.

In 2017 the preparations of the tercentenary of the UGLE will begin and a huge worldwide celebration is expected.

Read the History on Harte Lodge Here