Freemasonry is a fraternal society that traces its traditions back to the medieval stonemasons who built Europe's great cathedrals and castles. Rooted in the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth, our Craft is dedicated to teaching moral lessons and promoting personal development through symbolic rituals. It is a global brotherhood that emphasizes fellowship, charity, and self-improvement for men of all backgrounds.

Freemasonry is a moral and social society, designed to provide a framework for men to live ethical lives and be good citizens. Our progressive structure offers a career path through various Lodge offices for those who wish to advance.

Core Principles We Live By:

• Integrity and Moral Code: We believe in honour, decency, and personal responsibility. Our teachings are designed to complement a man’s chosen religion, never to replace it.

• Charity: We are dedicated to helping others and promoting the welfare of mankind. Our combined Masonic charities are one of the largest charitable contributors in the UK.

• Education: Our rituals and dramatic presentations are used to teach important moral lessons, encouraging a journey of continuous learning and self-improvement.

• Brotherhood & Equality: All members are treated as equals, regardless of their background or status. Freemasonry unites men of every persuasion in a firm bond of friendship and fraternal love.

• Social Responsibility: We promote truth, justice, fraternity, and philanthropy in society.

We believe in clarity and transparency, and it's important to understand what Freemasonry is, and what it is not.

• A moral society, not a religion: A belief in a Supreme Being is an essential qualification for membership, and this requirement is unwavering. Freemasonry upholds religion but is not a religion itself, nor a substitute for one. We welcome men of all faiths, provided they believe in a Supreme Being. A man's own religion is respected, and he is expected to continue practicing it.

• A brotherhood, not a secret society: Freemasonry is not a secret society. Freemasons are encouraged to be open about their membership. The only secrets are the traditional methods of recognition, such as signs, tokens, and words, which should not be disclosed to non-Masons.

• A private, not a political, organisation: Freemasonry is not a political organization and does not take part in political debates. The discussion of religion and politics within the Lodge is strictly prohibited to maintain harmony among the brethren.

• Not for business gain: Membership is not to be used for personal or professional advantage. The display of Masonic certificates on business premises or the use of Masonic emblems in advertising is strongly condemned.

To become a Freemason, a man must join of his own free will, be at least 18 years of age, and be of good reputation and in reputable circumstances.

A Note on Women and Freemasonry There are Grand Lodges for women in England and Wales that are completely separate from UGLE. They are not recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England, and inter-visitation is not permitted.

How to Join a Lodge

Joining is a meaningful journey, and the process is designed to ensure a good fit for everyone. The procedures for becoming a Freemason in England and Wales are governed by the rules and regulations of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). Other areas of the world have their own Grand Lodges.

• Step 1: Get Acquainted You must join a Lodge of your own free will. The best way to start is by getting to know members of a Lodge. Social and educational events are a relaxed way to meet them, learn more about the Craft, and have your questions answered. A neutrally worded approach can be made to a man who is considered a suitable candidate for Freemasonry.
• Step 2: Find Support To apply, you will need two members of the Lodge to act as your proposer and seconder. They must be subscribing members of the Lodge and be able to state that you are a man of good reputation and well-fitted to become a member.
• Step 3: Interview & Approval A candidate will be subject to a due inquiry into his character. You may be invited to meet with a committee for an interview. This is a chance for the Lodge to get to know you and for you to ask any final questions. A proposition to join is made at a regular meeting and a ballot is taken at the next regular meeting. No person shall be made a Mason if on the ballot, three black balls appear against him, although a Lodge's by-laws may enact that two or one black balls will exclude a candidate.
• Step 4: Formalities and Your Journey Begins Once a candidate is initiated, he becomes a subscribing member of the Lodge. Every Brother upon initiation is to be supplied with a copy of the Book of Constitutions, and his acceptance is a declaration of his submission to its contents.

Lodge Meetings & Dress

• Dress Code: When attending meetings, the expected dress is a dark lounge suit or traditional morning wear, with a plain white shirt, a plain black tie, and black shoes. Shirts should have a plain white collar and be of a restrained pattern or hue if not completely white.

• Regalia: You are required to wear the appropriate regalia in the Lodge. No Masonic jewel, medal, device, or emblem can be worn in the Grand Lodge or any subordinate Lodge unless approved or allowed by the Grand Master.

• Prohibited Discussions: The discussion of religion and politics within the Lodge is strictly prohibited.

Attendance & Visiting

• Visiting Other Lodges: We welcome and encourage you to visit other lodges. It's an important part of the Masonic experience. You will need to show proof of membership; the Lodge Secretary can guide you through this simple process.

• Visiting Abroad: If you're visiting a Lodge outside of England and Wales, you should first check with the Grand Secretary's office via your Lodge Secretary to ensure that its jurisdiction is recognized by UGLE.

After-Proceedings & Etiquette

• After-Proceedings: After our meetings, we enjoy a meal and fellowship, which is a central part of our brotherhood. The Master must ensure that after-proceedings are conducted with decorum.

• Masonic Secrecy: The Grand Lodge will always consider the recognition of Grand Lodges which profess and practise, and can show that they have consistently professed and practised, those established and unaltered principles. The only secrets are the traditional modes of recognition and parts of our ceremonies, which should be kept private to preserve the impact on new candidates.

• Social Media: We encourage our members to be respectful and courteous "digital ambassadors" online. You must not engage in any activity which may bring Freemasonry into disrepute.

• Membership & Subscriptions: If a member's subscription remains unpaid for two full years, he will automatically cease to be a member of the Lodge.

The Holy Royal Arch, often called the "completion of the Master Mason degree," is a significant and deeply symbolic part of Freemasonry. It builds upon the teachings of the three Craft degrees and is an essential part of "pure Antient Masonry". Members meet in a Chapter and are known as Companions. To become a Companion, you must be a Master Mason in good standing.

The Royal Arch degree emphasizes:

• Spiritual enlightenment
• Brotherhood and charity
• The pursuit of truth
• The restoration of lost knowledge

It is often seen as a philosophical and mystical extension of the foundational Masonic journey.