Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. In plain terms: a group of men meet regularly, take part in traditional ceremonies that carry moral lessons, have dinner together, and support good causes.
Its values are summed up in four words used across English Freemasonry: integrity, friendship, respect and service. The ceremonies use the working tools of medieval stonemasons as symbols. A square for honesty, a level for equality, and so on. They’re old, they’re theatrical, and they’re meant to make you think.
Where it came from
Freemasonry grew out of the guilds of working stonemasons who built Britain’s cathedrals and castles. By the 1600s, men who weren’t builders were joining. In 1717 four London lodges met at the Goose and Gridiron tavern near St Paul’s and formed the first Grand Lodge. Today the United Grand Lodge of England looks after around 200,000 members in some 6,800 lodges.
Locally, lodges are grouped into Provinces. Ashley Hill belongs to the Province of Berkshire, which has its home at the Berkshire Masonic Centre in Sindlesham.
How a Freemason progresses
Membership happens in three stages, called degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. Each is a ceremony you take part in, usually a few months apart. After that, members take on roles in the lodge and work their way through them, one year at a time.
More about the three degrees →
Common questions
Is it a secret society?
No. It’s a society with a few private traditions, such as the ways members recognise each other. Our existence, our meeting place, our members’ charity work and our rules are all public.
Is it a religion?
No. Members are asked to believe in a supreme being, but Freemasonry isn’t a religion and doesn’t replace one. Men of all faiths are members. Religion and politics are not discussed at meetings.
Do I have to be invited?
No. You can simply ask. Here’s how joining works.
Can women become Freemasons?
Lodges under the United Grand Lodge of England, including ours, are for men. There are two long-established Grand Lodges in England for women: the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons.
What does it cost, and how much time does it take?
On average, annual dues and other fees come to around £200 a year, plus dining at £36 a meeting. Ashley Hill meets five evenings a year, and there’s an optional rehearsal evening every other Wednesday.
Want to know more?
The best way to understand Freemasonry is to talk to a Freemason. We’re happy to answer questions, with no obligation.