The story of Freemasons’ Hall begins in 1775 when the Premier Grand Lodge of England purchased a house with a garden in Great Queen Street, London. This location would become the site for a succession of buildings, each serving as the headquarters for English Freemasonry.
The first Freemasons’ Hall was constructed between 1775 and 1776 under the direction of Thomas Sandby, an architect and founding member of the Royal Academy. Sandby’s design was in the Palladian style, popular in England during the 18th century. This initial structure was relatively modest, consisting of a simple meeting hall and a few additional rooms. As Freemasonry grew in popularity and membership, this first hall quickly became inadequate for the organization’s needs.
In 1821, the decision was made to demolish Sandby’s hall and create a grander, more expansive building. The renowned architect Sir John Soane was commissioned for this project. Soane, famous for his innovative use of space and light, designed a new Freemasons’ Hall in his characteristic neoclassical style. The building, completed in 1828, featured Soane’s trademark manipulation of space, creative use of natural light, and elegant proportions. It included a Grand Temple, library, and museum, reflecting the growing importance of Freemasonry in British society.
However, disaster struck in 1883 when a fire severely damaged Soane’s building. While some elements of the structure survived, it became clear that a complete reconstruction would be necessary. This event set the stage for the creation of the Freemasons’ Hall we see today.
The current Freemasons’ Hall, often referred to as the third hall, was built between 1927 and 1933. It was conceived as more than just a headquarters; it was designed as a Masonic Peace Memorial to honor the Freemasons who lost their lives in World War I. The project began with an architectural competition, which was won by Henry Victor Ashley and F. Winton Newman.
Ashley and Newman’s design marked a significant departure from the classical styles of the previous halls. Their vision for Freemasons’ Hall embraced the Art Deco movement, which was at its height in the 1920s and 1930s. Art Deco, characterized by bold geometric forms, lavish ornamentation, and a sense of luxury and modernity, was seen as the perfect style to express the forward-looking spirit of Freemasonry in the interwar period.
The exterior of Freemasons’ Hall is a striking example of Art Deco architecture. The building’s façade is clad in Portland stone, featuring clean lines and strong vertical emphasis typical of the style. The main entrance is particularly noteworthy, with its bronze doors and sculptural elements. The sculptor Gilbert Bayes was commissioned to create allegorical figures for the façade, including representations of Peace and Progress, which flank the central tower.
Internally, the building is a treasure trove of Art Deco design. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the Grand Temple, a massive ceremonial space that can seat 1,700 people. The Grand Temple is a perfect cube, measuring 123 feet (37.5 meters) in each dimension – height, width, and depth. This perfect cubic form holds great symbolic significance in Masonic tradition.
The Grand Temple’s interior is a masterpiece of Art Deco craftsmanship. The walls are lined with various marbles, while the ceiling features an elaborate mosaic depicting the zodiac. The room is illuminated by a series of stained glass windows, which bathe the space in colored light. Every element of the design, from the geometric patterns in the floor to the stylized light fixtures, reflects the Art Deco aesthetic.
Beyond the Grand Temple, Freemasons’ Hall contains numerous other impressive spaces. The Vestibules and corridors are adorned with beautiful mosaics, marbles, and bronze fixtures. The Grand Officers’ Robing Room, the Board Room, and other ceremonial spaces each have their unique decorative schemes, all adhering to the overall Art Deco theme.
The Library and Museum of Freemasonry, integral parts of Freemasons’ Hall, also reflect the building’s Art Deco heritage. The library houses an extensive collection of Masonic literature in a space designed to harmonize with the rest of the building. The museum, which displays a wide array of Masonic artifacts and regalia, is housed in rooms that complement the historical items with their period architecture.
Over the years, Freemasons’ Hall has undergone several renovations and additions to meet changing needs while preserving its architectural integrity. In 2014, a new wing was added to provide additional office space and modern facilities. This extension was carefully designed to complement the original Art Deco structure while meeting contemporary requirements.
The building’s significance extends beyond its function as a Masonic headquarters. It has become an important landmark in London, recognized for its architectural merit. In 1974, Freemasons’ Hall was designated as a Grade II* listed building by Historic England, acknowledging its exceptional interest and ensuring its preservation for future generations.
This listing has implications for how the building is maintained and modified. Any alterations or renovations must be carried out with careful consideration for preserving the original character and features of the building. Over the years, several restoration projects have been undertaken to clean and repair the stone façade, update the building’s systems, and ensure accessibility for all visitors.
Today, Freemasons’ Hall stands as one of the finest examples of Art Deco architecture in Britain. Its imposing exterior and lavishly decorated interior continue to impress visitors and serve as a testament to the skill of its architects and craftsmen. The building not only functions as the headquarters of the United Grand Lodge of England but also as a public museum and event space, allowing a wider audience to appreciate its architectural splendor.
The architectural history of Freemasons’ Hall reflects the changing fortunes and aspirations of Freemasonry in England over more than two centuries. From Sandby’s modest Palladian hall to Soane’s neoclassical vision, and finally to Ashley and Newman’s Art Deco masterpiece, each iteration of the building has left its mark on London’s architectural landscape. Today, Freemasons’ Hall stands as a monument not just to Masonic history, but to the enduring power of architecture to inspire and amaze. Copy
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.