Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest social and charitable organisations, with its origins rooted 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.
For each of those who join, Freemasonry means different things to every Mason. Some Freemasons enjoy meeting new people and expanding their circle of friends. For others charity is one of the primary reasons, being able to help deserving causes and helping to make a difference to family and society. For most Freemasons it is a great way to spend quality time simply an enjoyable hobby they share with like-minded people from a surprisingly wide and diverse spread of society.
As one of the world’s largest and oldest fraternal, charitable, non-religious and non-political organisations, Freemasonry teaches self-knowledge through participation through a progression of ceremonies. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry and are expected to be of high moral standing.
Freemasonry is a fraternal society, concerned with moral and spiritual values. Members are taught its guiding principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) via a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge – Using medieval stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides [1].
A moral and ethical approach to life is instilled in its members, its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.
Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
Core Values
Integrity
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.
Friendship
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.
Respect
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance, and harmony.
Service
Whether 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.
Becoming a Freemason is an opportunity to be part of something greater than yourself — a community rooted in shared values, personal growth, and meaningful connection. It’s a chance to make a real difference in the lives of others while working on becoming the best version of yourself.
Men join Freemasonry for many reasons. Some are drawn by the chance to form lasting friendships — bonds that span generations and stand strong through life’s ups and downs. Others seek the personal fulfilment that comes from striving to live by high moral principles and giving back to their communities.
Freemasonry brings together people from all walks of life — of different ages, backgrounds, and professions — united by a shared commitment to integrity, kindness, and self-improvement. It’s this diversity, bound by common values, that makes our fraternity truly special.
And of course, we enjoy ourselves along the way. Whether sharing a meal, raising a toast, or simply spending time together, Freemasonry is as much about friendship and camaraderie as it is about purpose and principle.
Yes — Freemasonry is open to anyone who meets the basic requirements and shares a commitment to personal growth, integrity, and helping others.
Men aged 18 and over are welcome to join, regardless of background, ethnicity, political views, economic circumstances, or religious affiliation. However, applicants are expected to hold a belief in a Supreme Being — a core principle of Freemasonry.
Women who are interested in Freemasonry are equally welcome—there are two long-established Grand Lodges for women in the UK:
• The Order of Women Freemasons
• Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (Freemasonry for Women)
Women Freemasons have been meeting across the country for over 100 years. These organisations follow the same traditions, ceremonies, and values as male Freemasonry, wearing the same regalia and actively engaging in community and charitable work.
Whichever path you choose, Freemasonry offers a warm welcome, meaningful connections, and the chance to be part of something truly special.
A lodge has a subscription cost. There’s no getting around it. Rest assured that the fees are wholly contributing to Freemasonry whether it be to the upkeep of the masonic hall where the lodge meets, or some other the administrative.
Beyond this (gasp! yes more) there are calls upon your charity for more local endeavours. This could be from personal support to Lodge specific charities that may be close to the members’ hearts, usually via raffles and collections in a masonic lodge meeting. There is no quantifiable amount that is expected in any way whatsoever. Nobody is counting and nothing is ‘expected’.
A Lodge is a group of Freemasons — typically between 15 and 50 members — drawn from all walks of life and across a range of age groups. Each Lodge has its own unique character, traditions, and approach to Freemasonry, shaped by its members and its history.
Lodges meet regularly, usually on a set day each month, a specific number of times per year. For example, a Lodge might meet on the third Thursday of each month from September to April — eight times annually. These regular meetings form the heartbeat of Lodge life, combining ceremony, fellowship, and shared purpose.
When someone asks, “What do you do in a Lodge?”, the answer is simple: we meet to carry out the traditions and values of Freemasonry.
Our meetings usually involve a combination of ceremonial work, learning, and fellowship. The ceremonies we perform mark a member’s journey through Freemasonry, using symbolic language and stories to explore important themes like integrity, kindness, respect, and personal development.
We also spend time planning charitable activities, discussing how we can support our local communities, and enjoying one another’s company. After the formal part of the meeting, members often share a meal together — a tradition known as the “Festive Board” — where friendship and good conversation are at the heart of the experience.
So while the setting may be formal, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the purpose is deeply meaningful: to become better people, support one another, and contribute positively to the world around us.
Rituals and ceremonies lie at the heart of Freemasonry. They are meaningful, symbolic events that mark a member’s journey through the different stages of Freemasonry and reflect our values, traditions, and shared heritage.
For many Freemasons, taking part in rituals is one of the most rewarding aspects of membership. It can be both challenging and fulfilling — much like learning lines for a play — requiring preparation, teamwork, and personal growth. Members often find that through this experience, they build confidence, improve public speaking skills, and develop a deeper sense of connection and purpose.
Masonic meetings, where these ceremonies take place, often have a unique atmosphere — one that uplifts, inspires, and strengthens the bond between members. Many describe leaving a meeting with a renewed sense of energy and positivity, already looking forward to the next gathering.
There is great enjoyment to be found in both the ceremonial and social aspects of Freemasonry. It’s an experience that combines tradition, personal development, and the warmth of shared fellowship — and we’re proud to be a part of it.
[1] An allegory is a term for a figure of speech. It is a story or picture with a hidden meaning. The characters in allegories are symbols which represent particular ideas. The story has a figurative meaning, not just a literal one.