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The Grand Lodge has the dates 1717 and 1967 in large letters near the top of this imposing building. However, it was built 1927 - 33. It is a grade II listed building. It is the only Art Deco building in London that is unaltered, and still used for its original purpose. In recent years it has been open to the public. There are guided tours five times per day. It is the third Freemason's Hall on this site. In 1775 the Freemason's Tavern stood where the “New Connaught Rooms” (at 61 -65) now stand. It was replaced in the nineteenth century. The first English Lodge was founded in 1717 ; this explains the date on the Lodge. There is a pub called "The Prince of Wales" at number 45 Great Queen Street. In 1809 the Prince of Wales (the future George IV) was the Grand Master of the Freemasons. The “New Connaught Rooms” are frequently used for exhibitions, business meetings and award ceremonies. There are 29 meeting rooms and one large (1,000 seat) hall. There are conflicting stories about the founding, in 1863 of the Football Association to set down the rules of the game. The existing pub “The Freemasons Arms” on Long Acre is sometimes said to be the site of this event, but other sources say it was the now demolished “Freemason’s Tavern” where the New Connaught Rooms now stand. At number 23 is “Central Regalia” where Masonic aprons are sold. At 30-31 is the “Royal Masonic Trust for Boys and Girls”. This is a charity to provide an education for the orphaned children of masons. At about 72 is the “Kingsway Hall Hotel”. At 31, Great Queen Street lived James Basire, member of the Society of Antiquaries who took on William Blake as an apprentice in 1772. During 1837 to 1840 the painter Richard Dadd lived in Great Queen Street, while studying at the Royal academy. |
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