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Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world and its principles are Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.

What is Freemasonry | United Grand Lodge of England Skip to main content Back to top United Grand Lodge of EnglandMenuClose Main navigation Discover FreemasonryClose Discover Freemasonry For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service What is Freemasonry? Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world and its principles are Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service History of Freemasonry Travel back in time through the history of Freemasonry: from the medieval era to United Grand Lodge of England's 300th anniversary in 2017 Charitable Work Charity has always been a core principle of Freemasonry, enabling our members to make an important contribution at a local, national and global level Famous Freemasons Throughout history, there have been many famous Freemasons involved in a wide variety of activities Frequently Asked Questions Here you will find answers to the most common questions around Freemasonry Research Centre Quatuor Coronati is the world’s premier research Lodge, which helps to explain the history of Freemasonry and Masonic protocol Resources Immerse yourself in the world of Freemasonry with our collection of videos and webinars 1723 Constitutions In 2023 UGLE will mark the tercentenary of the 1723 Constitutions. The Constitutions contained leading-edge Enlightenment principles Blog Welcome to our Blog, where you can keep up on the latest news and discover more about Freemasonry Freemasonry Today Magazine Freemasonry Today (FMT) is UGLE’s quarterly print magazine, including corporate communications, stories across Provinces and Districts, and much more Podcast Here, you will be able to browse our collection of podcasts to find out more about FreemasonryRegister your interest todayLocate your local lodge where you live, work or study. International lookup by area Enter your location or post code Distance <= Units: Miles Origin Address, City, Zip-Code, Country, ... Become a FreemasonClose Become a Freemason Our members have come from all walks of life and each with their own unique story to tell for why they became a Freemason Why become a Freemason? Discover the reasons why someone might become a Freemason. Read our member testimonials and find out what they enjoy most about being a Freemason How to join Freemasonry Discover how to become a Freemason and join around 175,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas Find your nearest Masonic Centre Enter your postcode to locate your local lodge where you live, work or study Special interest Lodges Formed by members to enjoy their shared interests and hobbies, there are many special interest Lodges you can join in Freemasonry Universities Scheme The Universities Scheme gives students and young people a great opportunity to make long-lasting friendships and increase their social interaction Women Freemasons There are two Grand Lodges for women Freemasons who meet across the UK and overseas: The Order of Women Freemasons and HFAF – Freemasonry for WomenRegister your interest todayLocate your local lodge where you live, work or study. International lookup by area Enter your location or post code Distance <= Units: Miles Origin Address, City, Zip-Code, Country, ... About UsClose About Us Find out more about UGLE, our governance and how Freemasonry is structured throughout England, Wales, the Channels Islands, the Isle of Man and internationally Get in Touch Freemasons’ Hall is located in the heart of London at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. The closest tube stations are Holborn and Covent Garden About UGLE United Grand Lodge of England is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Districts overseas UGLE Governance Find out more about the Governance at United Grand Lodge of England and its current Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent Provinces The United Grand Lodge of England has 48 Provinces within England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man Districts and Groups The United Grand Lodge of England has 32 Districts and four Groups that are located overseas Book of Constitutions The Book of Constitutions is the rule book of the United Grand Lodge of England that regulates all Lodges and Freemasons Foreign Grand Lodges Find out more information about foreign Grand Lodges Recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England The Royal Arch Royal Arch is considered the completion of the journey in ‘Pure Antient Masonry’. Its members meet in Chapters under the Supreme Grand Chapter Work for Us With more than 100 employees, we offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities based within our stunning art deco headquarters at Freemasons’ Hall Our People We employ more than 100 people at the United Grand Lodge of England who share the vision and values at the very heart of what we do Media Centre United Grand Lodge of England’s Media Centre provides our latest news and statements and contact details of our press officeRegister your interest todayLocate your local lodge where you live, work or study. International lookup by area Enter your location or post code Distance <= Units: Miles Origin Address, City, Zip-Code, Country, ... Freemasons' HallClose Freemasons’ Hall An Art Deco masterpiece in the heart of London’s West End, Freemasons' Hall welcomes more than 200,000 visitors through its doors every year Visit Freemasons' Hall Freemasons’ Hall is located in the heart of London at 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ. The closest tube stations are Holborn and Covent Garden History of Freemasons' Hall Discover the important milestones that led to the construction of Freemasons’ Hall as we begin the journey more than 250 years ago Hire Freemasons’ Hall A stunning landmark building located in the heart of London’s West End, Freemasons’ Hall offers a beautiful and historic location to hire for a multitude of events and filming Shop at Freemasons’ Hall Come and visit the award-winning ‘Shop at Freemasons’ Hall’ and discover a high-end retail experience in the heart of London Café and Bar at Freemasons' Hall Situated on the ground floor of Freemasons’ Hall, the Café and Bar are now open to members, museum visitors and the general public alike Events at Freemasons’ Hall At Freemasons’ Hall we host an exciting and varied programme of public events throughout the year Tours Join one of our knowledgeable guides, and all will be revealed on these 55-minute guided tours of the Museum of Freemasonry and Freemasons’ Hall Museum of Freemasonry The exhibitions and events illuminate the history of Freemasonry, explore its traditions and values, and reveal its significance through the ages and around the worldRegister your interest todayLocate your local lodge where you live, work or study. International lookup by area Enter your location or post code Distance <= Units: Miles Origin Address, City, Zip-Code, Country, ... What would you like to know? Fulltext search Popular search termsBlogHow to JoinWhy become a Freemason?History of FreemasonryFreemasons' HallUniversities Scheme Breadcrumb Discover Freemasonry What is Freemasonry? What is Freemasonry? Share One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry's roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. It is here that a number of the famous elements of Freemasonry find their roots. In the medieval era, stonemasons often travelled around to find work in different locations. To demonstrate their level of qualification, they would use grips, words and signs in order to distinguish themselves from unqualified builders.Freemasonry uses building analogies to teach members how to lead productive lives that benefit the communities that they live in. In the medieval era, stonemasons wore aprons and gloves to protect themselves while working on shaping rough pieces of stone, but in today’s society Freemasons meet to build friendships and communities rather than cathedrals and castles.Guiding principles of FreemasonryFor Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today’s world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation’s history.IntegrityBuilding good people Freemasons are focused on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal. Being a Freemason gives members a sense of purpose, supporting and guiding them on their journey through life. Collectively, members are bonded through an understanding of unity and equitability – principles fundamental to Freemasonry.FriendshipBuilding togetherFreemasonry provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life. Being a Freemason means something different to each person who joins, but whether looking to make acquaintances or develop their own potential, all members share a sense of togetherness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.RespectBuilding unityFreemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion, or other perceived differences that can divide us as a society. Members are expected to be of high moral standing and are encouraged to talk openly about what the organisation does and what it means to be part of it.ServiceService focusWhether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.  Did you know? Freemasons are responsible for Manchester City playing in blueIn 1894, facing financial crisis, Manchester City Football Club was offered a helping hand by the Freemasons. In acknowledgement of the organisation’s act of charity, the club adopted masonic colours, giving them the light blue shirts that are so recognisable to football fans today.What happens at a Lodge meeting?Freemasonry is organised in smaller units of members, called Lodges, where meetings are held, and members meet together. A Freemason Lodge is a place where members will spend a significant part of their journey in Freemasonry and each member can freely choose the Lodge they wish to be part of. Lodge meetings are typically held in two parts. The first involves more administrative procedures, such as proposing and balloting for new members and receiving news about charitable fundraising. The second part focuses on ceremonies, which might relate to areas such as the admittance of new members or the installation of the Master of the Lodge and his officers – a process made up of three degrees, or stages, each marked by a special ceremony. Our ceremonies are based around three principles that are still taught in our ceremonies today: look after those less fortunate, improve yourself and live life well so as to be remembered for the right reasons.True to the sense of friendship and togetherness among Freemasons, meetings are also social events, providing an occasion for members to dine together. Outside of the Lodge, activities include community fundraising and volunteering activities, as well as a varied programme of events where spouses, partners and families are welcome.The Three Degrees of FreemasonryWhen a person is initiated into Freemasonry, they complete the First Degree. At this point, they become an 'Entered Apprentice'. The First Degree ceremony reminds us that all are equal – it is the responsibility of those that do well to look after those less fortunate. Upon completion of the Second Degree, a member becomes a 'Fellowcraft Freemason'. This encourages members to better themselves through education and focuses on self-development. After this, the member will then undertake the Third Degree. This ceremony teaches them how to use their life wisely and be remembered for the right reasons. On completion, they become a Master Mason.You may also be interested in Discover Freemasonry What is Freemasonry? History of Freemasonry Charitable Work Famous Freemasons Frequently Asked Questions Research Centre Resources 1723 Constitutions Blog Freemasonry Today Magazine Podcast Why become a Freemason? Hear from our members and find out what they enjoy most about being a Freemason. Charitable Work Find out how you can be involved in making valuable contributions to charitable causes. How to join Freemasonry Find out how you can become a Freemason and join around 175,000 members throughout England and Wales, as well as Districts overseas. Join Freemasonry todayLocate your local lodge where you live, work or study. International lookup by area Enter your location or post code Distance <= Units: Miles Origin Address, City, Zip-Code, Country, ... TwitterFacebookLinkedInYoutubeInstagram Freemasons' Hall, 60 Great Queen Street, London WC2B 5AZ Footer menu Cookies Policy Data Protection Notice Accessibility Copyright Notice Get in Touch © 2023 UGLE. All rights reserved. Share this page Close Share Tweet Email Share Share We're using cookies.We use cookies to collect information about how you use ugle.org.uk. This information is used to improve your experience on our site and ensure the site is working at its' best. No thanks Accept