(Seek, and ye shall find; ask, and ye shall have; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.)

Freemasonry is a structured fraternity based around some basic principles traditionally referred to as brotherly love, relief and truth; in modern parlance – Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.

The basic building block is the individual member – referred to as a brother.

Brothers belong to Lodges. There are hundreds in London, thousands nationally and tens of thousands world-wide.

In England and Wales lodges are grouped geographically, in either a metropolitan area or a province, overseen by a Metropolitan or Provincial Grand Master.

The Metropolitan area or Province comes under the overall authority of the United Grand Lodge of England led by the Grand Master.

Freemasonry is not a religion; indeed, it specifically forbids the discussion of religious topics at its meetings; a prohibition which is universally and unquestioningly observed by all members. Freemasonry therefore enables the harmonious gathering of men from all religious backgrounds.

There is a similar embargo on political discussion so we have members with very different political views who share our gatherings.

Freemasonry under the United Grand lodge of England (UGLE) is a male organisation. There are two Grand Lodges for women in England. Although these Grand Lodges are not ‘recognised as regular’ (ergo there can be no intervisiting) they both enjoy a good friendly relationship with our fraternity.