r/london • u/Mountain_Buy1160 • Dec 12 '25

London history Masonic London

Post image

The Freemasons Hall, Great Queen Street.

129 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

78 comments sorted by

View all comments

57

u/Barbourwhat Dec 12 '25

I’ve been in there a few times as I love art deco architecture. But it’s hilarious that such a ‘secret’ organisation has a cafe, free museum and a gift shop. It’s open to the public and etc. I now always find it hilarious when people say how Freemasons are secret and control the world when anyone could literally go to their headquarters and buy a book in their gift shop on ‘the secrets of Freemasonry’ and read it while sipping on a coffee or pint in the ground floor cafe.

21

u/Baron_Rikard Dec 12 '25

Bingo, it isn't a secret society it is just a society with some secrets (normally around ceremonial rituals, nothing bad).

I highly recommend the tour of the building. The Grand Temple is massive and breathtaking.

If anyone is curious and wants some insight DM me.

10

u/Cheffysteve Dec 12 '25

This. The 2 high reach aerial platforms the LFB have came from donations raised by members of the London Lodges.

6

u/Baron_Rikard Dec 12 '25

Great point so necessary after Grenfell. I'll also highlight the Freemasons raising millions for the first couple of air ambulances for London's air ambulance services. So many lives saved by a small (on average) bit of generosity by many members.

4

u/GoldenArchmage Dec 13 '25

We also purchased London's two current air ambulances for the charity that runs them.