Cheltenham Masonic Hall

The Cheltenham Masonic Hall built by Foundation Lodge is believed to be the second oldest purpose-built Masonic Lodge in England. Grand Lodge in London did not build a purpose-built lodge room until 1877. It is one of the few Temples in the country which has continuously been used as a Lodge room for considerably over 100 years.

It is also the oldest public building, other than ecclesiastical, in Cheltenham still used for the purpose for which it was designed.

Foundation lodge is one of the world's oldest continuous lodges. It was founded in 1753 and moved to Cheltenham in 1817 and its brethren were responsible for building the magnificent Masonic Hall.

Built in 1823 Cheltenham Masonic Hall was one of the world's first purpose built Masonic Hall, outside London.

While Cheltenham Masonic Hall has been an integral part of the development and growth of the town since 1823, its early members played an important part in the society which has given the town many of its important institutions and contributed to the town as we know it today. Completed in November 1823 the upper storeys are unusual in that they are built like an Egyptian tomb, with a cant – the sides sloping slightly inwards.

Foundation Lodges Cheltenham Masonic Hall (Original builders and sole users for 34 years), one of the first purpose-built Masonic Halls outside London, was constructed around 1820 for use by Foundation Lodge No 82, by Foundation Lodge member George Allan Underwood, who was initiated into the Foundation Lodge in 1818. He designed many famous buildings in Cheltenham, The Imperial Spa, the buildings now used as the Municipal Offices, the Long Room at Montpellier Spa, Holy Trinity Church and the Lower Assembly Rooms in Bath.

The freehold site, bought for £670 by Sir James Agg-Gardiner MP for Cheltenham, a Foundation Lodge member, was gifted to the Foundation Lodge, and the building of the Masonic Hall, which cost £4,000.00 was financed by selling £25.00 shares. Over the years the building deteriorated mainly due to the dirt and smoke which had accumulated from the fires, candles, smoking and over 180 years of use. A scheme of work was drawn up in 1981 to repair, clean and decorate. Finished in 1984/85 it restored the interior and exterior to its original Regency splendour and included the complete remodelling of the kitchen. Great care is taken to maintain the building in its original state. In 2000 the Lodge Room floor was strengthened and there is a programme of ongoing work to protect the building for many more years.

Over the years many of the towns leading 'personalities' have been Freemasons such as MPs, mayors, solicitors, doctors and a range of professional men. Dr Edward Jenner was a member of the Foundation Lodge.