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.
Finished in 1984/85 it restored the interior and exterior to its original Regency splendour and included the complete remodelling of the kitchen.
Over the years many of the towns leading 'personalities' have been Freemasons such as MPs, mayors, solicitors, doctors and a range of professional men.
Over another is a Bible on a cushion, whilst over the door to the passage is the armour and helmet of a Knight Templar and a motto, "Quis Domine Habitabat."
The painted walls, hung with shields, resemble a Knights Templar encampment and were produced when the lodge was built.
On entering the high ceilinged Lodge Room one can immediately appreciate the atmosphere, sense of majesty and quiet dignity which is an important element in our Masonic ceremonies.
Designed to accommodate about 65 people the room is lofty but not over large which helps to preserve the family composition of our membership and maintain the close personal relationships between the members.
The decoration is in the high Regency style and, like the rest of the building, no expense was spared when carrying out the original construction.
This is a representation of honeysuckle, symbolising fidelity, which was a motif much favoured by the Adam brothers in their decoration of some of the great houses in the latter part of the 18th century.
The same pattern is in the exquisitely executed wrought-iron work, backed by crimson velvet, which forms the front of the gallery at the west end of the room.
A fully equipped basement kitchen is used by a professional chef to provide food for up to 60 brethren and guests on lodge nights.
Believed to date from the late 1700’s, it has been recently completely overhauled and, despite its great age, still sounds out boldly to accompany the singing parts of our ceremonies.
It is supported by two Ionic pillars seen in the picture; one surmounted by the Celestial and the other the Terrestrial Globe, pointing out Masonry Universal
At the East end of the Lodge room is a dais on which sits the Master’s chair, surmounted by a crimson canopy, draped and tasselled, which was erected in 1834.
Foundation’s original Master and Senior and Junior Warden’s fine mahogany chairs were presented by various members around 1825.
The present seating, which was obtained from a redundant church in Somerset, replaced the original benches as they became very unstable at the time of the restoration of the building.
Note that almost the entire wall space is covered with Honours Boards upon which are inscribed, annually, the name of the Master or Head of the specific order.
The Worshipful Masters, Senior and Junior Wardens chairs in the regular use of all the Lodges are the property of the Royal Union.
At the East end of the Lodge room is a dais on which sits the Master’s chair, surmounted by a crimson canopy, draped and tasselled, which was erected in 1834.
The present seating, which was obtained from a redundant church in Somerset, replaced the original benches as they became very unstable at the time of the restoration of the building.
Note that almost the entire wall space is covered with Honours Boards upon which are inscribed, annually, the name of the Master or Head of the specific order.