How Many Masonic Lodges Are in London?

By Michael Ferguson

London, the capital city of England, is home to a vast number of Masonic Lodges. These lodges are spread throughout the city, and each one has its own unique history and traditions. In this article, we will explore how many Masonic Lodges are in London.

What is a Masonic Lodge?

A Masonic Lodge is a meeting place for members of the Freemasonry fraternity. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons in the Middle Ages. The organization has since evolved into an international fraternity that promotes moral and personal development through ritual and symbolism.

How Many Masonic Lodges Are in London?

London has over 1,000 Masonic Lodges spread across its various boroughs. Each Lodge has its own unique history and traditions, making it difficult to provide an exact number of Lodges in London.

However, it is estimated that there are around 700 active Masonic Lodges in London today. These lodges vary in size and membership, with some having only a few members while others have hundreds.

The Oldest Masonic Lodges in London

Some of the oldest Masonic Lodges in London date back to the eighteenth century. These include:

  • The Lodge of Antiquity No. 2: Founded in 1751, it is one of the oldest surviving Masonic Lodges in the world.
  • The Royal Somerset House and Inverness Lodge No. IV: Founded in 1774 by Prince William Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh.
  • The United Grand Lodge of England: This is not a single Lodge but rather the governing body for all Freemasonry within England.

Notable Masonic Lodges in London

There are many notable Masonic Lodges in London, each with its own unique history and traditions. Some of the most famous include:

  • The Grand Lodge of England: This is the governing body for all Freemasonry within England and Wales.
  • The Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076: This Lodge is dedicated to research into the history and symbolism of Freemasonry.
  • The Royal Alpha Lodge No. 16: This Lodge was founded in 1722 and has been attended by many famous figures throughout history, including Winston Churchill and Rudyard Kipling.

In Conclusion

London is home to a vast number of Masonic Lodges, each with its own unique history and traditions. While it is difficult to provide an exact number of Lodges in London, it is estimated that there are around 700 active Lodges today. Whether you are a member of the fraternity or simply interested in its history, there is no shortage of fascinating Masonic Lodges to explore in London.