Freemasons’ Hall

Georgian Freemasonry in Leicester

Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest non-religious, non-political and charitable organisations. It became established in Leicester in the 18th Century, with the first Lodges meeting in local public houses. The St John’s Lodge (1790) and the Provincial Grand Lodge, the governing body of the counties of Leicestershire and Rutland, were founded in Georgian times and still exist today.

London Road Freemasons´ Hall

Freemasons’ Hall (80 London Road) is a former Georgian house, purchased by the Freemasons around 1909. The Holmes Lodge Room, one of the finest in the country, was designed by local architect Howard H Thompson. Freemasons’ Hall contains a museum and library, said to hold one of the finest collections of masonic books and artefacts outside London. 

Holmes Lodge Room, Freemasons Hall, London Road

Freemasonry and the story of Leicester

Freemasons have played a prominent role in the history of Leicester, both as businessmen and professionals, and as a body. One of the most influential figures in the 19th Century was William Kelly, a Provincial Grand Master, in whose memory a Benevolent Fund was established, now known as the Leicestershire & Rutland Masonic Charity Association. Support for local charities remains a central principle of Freemasonry, but Freemasons were also traditionally involved in ceremonies involving the laying of foundation stones, including that of the new Town Hall in 1874, ‘trying’ the stone in accordance with ancient custom with ‘plumb rule, level and square’.