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Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest secular fraternal societies - a society concerned with moral
and spiritual values. Members are taught the rules of Freemasonry by a series of ritual dramas that
follow ancient forms and use stonemasons'customs and tools symbolically. The Library and Museum of Freemasonry houses one of the finest collections of Masonic material in the world. Its mission is 'to encourage the study and enjoyment of the diverse collections of the Library and Museum by the general public and members of the Craft by preserving, presenting and interpreting the history and heritage of Freemasonry'. It is open to the public, Monday to Friday, free of charge. It is a registered charity. In 2001 the Library and Museum were awarded the status of a registered museum (RD 2014). It is steadily progressing with the mapping of its collections and has begun the process of computerised cataloguing to international standards - a costly and resource-intensive process which may take some years to complete. FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
This was established during 2001 to enable Lodges, Chapters and individuals to give support by way of an annual subscription in return for a regular newsletter and the right to attend special events. MUSEUM
The Museum's collections ar extensive including pottery and porcelain, glassware, silver, furniture and clocks, Masonic jewels and regalia. Items belonging to famous and Royal Freemasons including Winston Churchill and Edward VII are on display together with examples from the museums extensive collection of prints and engravings, photographs and ephemera. LIBRARY
The collections include Masonic music, poetry and literature. There are a number of notable examples of fine eighteenth and nineteenth century bindings. Archive material is available for research upon application. The Library is always pleased to help with historical enquiries by telephone and by post as well as in person and staff can advise about how to use Library resources. However staff cannot undertake extensive research on individual enquiries. FREEMASONRY
The earliest record of the making of a Freemason in a non-operative lodge in England is Elias Ashmole at Warrington in 1646. On 24th June 1717 four London lodges came together at the Goose and Gridiron Ale House in St Paul's Churchyard to form the first Grand Lodge in the world. Grand Lodge became the regulatory body for Freemasonry holding regular meetings and publishing a book of regulations. A rival Grand Lodge was formed in London in 1751 claiming for itself the title "Antients Grand Lodge". Grand Lodge" For 60 years the two Grand Lodges co-existed before a Union was completed between the two in 1813 to form the United Grand Lodge of England. VISITING THE LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Admission to the Library and Museum is free of charge. It is located on the 1st floor. Lifts, suitable for most wheelchairs are available. Power sockets for portable computers are available at some readers' desks. A staffed photocopying service is available. Copying may be done at the discretion of the Librarian subject to copyright and conservation restrictions. EVENTS If you would like to join the mailing list for details of current exhibitions and associated events please write to the Director. OPENING TIMES Monday to Friday 10 am to 5 pm. (Closed Christmas / New Year and Bank Holidays) TOURS
On Saturdays guided tours must be pre-booked and a booking fee is payable. Call 020 7395 9258 fo tour details. The Library and Museum can be contacted on 020 7359 9251 (Fax: 020 7404 7418). Also visit the Grand Lodgewebsite.
 NORTHUMBERLAND'S OWN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM The Provincial office at Neville Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne is home to the John Stephenson Library and Museum which contains many items of interest to Northumberland Freemasons. If you wish to visit - Monday to Thursday 9 to 4 only - please contact the Provincial Grand Secretary in advance.
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A changing series of exhibitions portray the history of Freemasonry in England and specific aspects of Masonic life.
The Library is open for reference use. It contains a comprehensive collection of printed books and manuscripts on every facet of Freemasonry in England as well as material on Freemasonry elsewhere in the world and on subjects associated with Freemasonry or with mystical and esoteric traditions.
When, where and why Freemasonry began is not known It is believed to have originated in England, descending from the craft of the medieval stone-masons. Lodges of operative masons began to accept non-practising members who gradually took over while groups of men interested in promoting tolerance came together and adopted the stonemasons'tools and customs as allegorical teaching aids.
The Library and Museum are located in Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen Street, London. This is the 3rd Masonic Hall to be built on the site. It dates from 1927 - 1933 and is a superb example of the style of the period.
Guided tours of the building (which start from the Library and Museum) are generally available (free of charge) Monday to Friday at 11a.m., 12p.m., 2p.m., 3p.m. and 4p.m.