Norfolk Freemasonry
Freemasonry has existed in Norfolk since 1759 and is home to 72 private lodges around the County.
The are 23 Masonic Centres, with the Provincial Grand Lodge residing at 47 St. Giles Street, Norwich.
The Temple situated in St Giles Street, at No. 47, was originally numbered No. 23, and was used as a Masonic Club for many years prior to 1879, when it was purchased by the Norwich Masonic Association Ltd.
Perseverance Lodge began there and started to conduct ceremonies in that same year. The Norwich Masonic Association was formed in 1879 for the purpose of providing a meeting place for all Norwich Lodges. This Association still exists.
Until 1906, there was only one temple, that on the the ground floor, now known as the Bowers Temple, but on the 2nd February of that year, another on the first floor was dedicated by R.W. Bro. Hamon le Strange in his own name in the prescence of some 100 brethren.
In the the early 1920's it was decided to improve the accommodation, and a Provincial Grand Lodge Fund was set up, to be followed in 1923 by a Prov. Building Committee, formed to consider the details of such a scheme, this Committee being given authority to spend up to 200 Guineas on plans to provide adequate accommodation for the growing needs of the Province. A scheme was eventually adopted, in 1925, which was in three parts:
1. A new Temple to seat 200, changing room and toilets. 2. New supper room, kitchen, serving room, etc. 3. Alterations to present buildings and furnishings.
The total estimated cost was £13100.
By the end of 1925, the sum of £7957 had been raised.
On 30th May 1928, the foundation stone of the new Temple was laid by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, later to be King Edward VIII, with Masonic Honours, and in memory of the late Provincial Grand Master, RW Bro. Bishop Bowers, after whom the new Temple on the ground floor was named.
In 1946, the adjoining property, No. 49, was purchased at auction by the Norwich Masonic Association for £6350, albeit with part of the property occupied by the Post Office on Lease: this part was vacated by them in 1955. Eventually, No. 49 was sold in the 1990's.
You can visit the website of Norfolk Provincial Grand Lodge By Click Here.
