About Freemasonry
Get to Know Freemasonry
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and most widespread fraternal organisations. Here we explore its history, its values and what it means to be a Freemason today.
What is Freemasonry?
Over 300 years of tradition
Freemasonry grew out of the stonemasons' guilds of the Middle Ages. The tools and language of the stonemason's craft became symbols used to teach moral lessons — lessons about how to live a good life and be a good member of society.
Modern Freemasonry's roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals. It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations.
Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today's society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.
Throughout history, Freemasonry has championed values that we now take for granted: religious tolerance, freedom of speech, the rule of law and the importance of education and charitable giving.
Many notable figures in history have been Freemasons — from scientists and artists to statesmen and military leaders. What they shared was a commitment to the values at the heart of Freemasonry.
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.
Heritage
Heritage of Freemasonry
There are several theories about the origins of Freemasonry, ranging from ancient builders to medieval stonemasons. Still to this day, the roots of modern Freemasonry are the subject of intense speculation, but the general consensus among Masonic scholars is that they lie with the medieval stonemasons that built our castles and cathedrals.
Regardless of its exact beginnings, Freemasonry has played a prominent role in shaping social, political, and cultural landscapes throughout history. From its symbolic ceremonies and moral teachings to its influence on Enlightenment ideals, Freemasonry continues to intrigue and captivate individuals around the world.
What we are
What we are?
We are a unique members' organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds. We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.
What we aim for
What we aim for?
To attract those from all backgrounds and walks of life, enabling them to develop into more thoughtful and confident people.
To inspire and challenge them to practise the core values we celebrate – Integrity, Friendship, Respect, Service – in their private and public lives.
To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.
Governance
Governance
United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Districts overseas.
The Premier Grand Lodge, which became the United Grand Lodge of England, was founded at the Goose and Gridiron Pub in London in 1717.
UGLE is the governing body for a membership organisation of 170,000 people meeting in more than 7,000 Lodges across the globe. Membership is open to any man over the age of 18 irrespective of their background, race or religion, with students also able to join one of 87 Universities Scheme Lodges.
Our headquarters are at Freemasons' Hall, a stunning Grade II* listed Art Deco building that proudly stands on Great Queen Street in Covent Garden, London.
It's an exciting time for UGLE — great strides have been taken to modernise the organisation to become more transparent and better understood by the outside world, as we continue our journey with confidence into the 21st century.
The Book of Constitutions is the rule book of the United Grand Lodge of England that regulates all Provinces, Lodges and Freemasons.
What we do
Ceremonies and meetings
Lodge meetings
We meet several times a year at our Masonic Hall. Meetings follow a set format, with ceremonial work, administrative business and time for fellowship.
Initiation
When a new member joins, he takes part in an initiation ceremony. This is a meaningful and memorable occasion that marks the beginning of his Masonic journey.
Degrees
Freemasonry has three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. Each degree involves a ceremony that teaches moral lessons through allegory and symbolism.
Festive board
After the formal meeting, members gather for a meal — the festive board. This is a time for conversation, laughter and the kind of friendship that can last a lifetime.
Core values
Integrity · Friendship · Respect · Service
These four values are at the heart of everything we do. They guide our behaviour in lodge, in our families and in our wider community. They are not just words — they are a way of life.