Freemasonry for all
With over 8,000 Freemasons spread across its 250 lodges, Hampshire and Isle of Wight is the largest Province of the United Grand Lodge of England.
Structured in six smaller geographical areas the Province maintains a real sense of togetherness and friendship among its members whilst encompassing the wider scope and benefits of a large leading Province that’s in the forefront of many new and exciting initiatives.
In recent years the number of younger members has increased considerably and now thanks to social media they are communicating and spreading their enthusiasm throughout the Province.
Often affectionately called the South Island by local Freemasons, The Isle of Wight is an important part of the Province and its Solent Area. Totally involved and represented in the Province Freemasons from the Island enjoy their own brand of masonry reflecting Island life and are very much part of its close knit community to which they make an important contribution.
Our vision
To cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large, and as a thriving organisation that people aspire to join.
With more than 8,000 Freemasons across its 250 lodges, Hampshire and Isle of Wight is the largest Province of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). It includes the towns of Christchurch and Bournemouth, which moved to the county of Dorset in 1974.
The Masonic Province of Hampshire came into being on February 28th 1767 with the appointment of the man who must surely be the most famous Provincial Grand Master of them all, Thomas Dunckerley.
Structured in six geographical areas, the Province maintains a real sense of togetherness and friendship between its members while encompassing the wider scope and benefits of a large, leading Province that’s at the forefront of many new and exciting initiatives.
The Province is headed by Jonathan Whitaker, members of his Provincial Cabinet & Executive are a group of senior Freemasons appointed to run each of the areas and oversee the day-to-day running of the province.
The prime qualification for admission into the Royal Arch is to be a Master Mason, of at least four weeks standing, in a lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England, or a lodge under a Grand Lodge recognised by it.
United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Districts overseas.
Membership is open to any man over the age of 18 irrespective of their race or religion, and women are invited to join one of two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons.
Our media centre carries our latest news and statements and contact details appear on individual press releases and statements.
Freemasonry is about making new friends and acquaintances and being able to help deserving causes – making a positive contribution to family and society. Guided by four important principles integrity, friendship, respect and charity Freemasonry is a most rewarding pastime and hobby that’s enjoyed by all its members.
Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it teaches self-knowledge and assurance through participation in a progression of ceremonies and nowadays our members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.
Kindness and charitable giving are deeply ingrained within the principles of Freemasonry. The organisation provides a support structure that helps members make positive contributions to communities and worthwhile causes through fundraising events or volunteer work.
New members find a world of camaraderie and friendships, with special groups and initiatives dedicated to furthering interaction and encouraging visits to other lodges. A network of friends quickly develops because new members share the same journey and experiences.
One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.
We are a unique members’ organisation that has thrived for over 300 years. Having no political or religious affiliations, we comprise members of all ages, races, religions, cultures and backgrounds.
We meet in our individual Lodges throughout the country where we have ceremonial traditions which encourage us both to be more tolerant and respectful and actively to fulfil our civic and charitable responsibilities; we also make time to eat, drink and meet together, and form lifelong friendships.
Main photo: Rt Hon Penny Mourdant MP presents a cheque to Rev Amy Webb of local charity Cosham Larder.
Inset photos: Barrie Hewitt Assistant Provincial Grand Master laying a wreath on Holocaust Memorial Day. Jon Whitaker (Right) head of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Freemasons spends time with Carolyn Warner (Middle) the Centres’ Manager, and one of their visitors at Age Concern’s Lockswood Care and Wellbeing Centre in Locks Heath.
“Masonry is great! It’s the whole package; formality, informality, camaraderie, friendships and more. It’s like an extension of the Sergeant’s mess”
STEVE, ARMY PHOTOGRAPHER
NORMAN GATE LODGE
Freemasons from Hampshire and Isle of Wight raised an astonishing record £7.7m in the last fund raising festival in aid of the children’s charity the Royal Masonic Trust for Girls and Boys. They continue to support local charities, donating over £200,000 each year
“Taking part for a second year in cycling from London to Paris, I raised over £5000 for the Southampton University cancer immunology unit. I am overwhelmed by the messages that I received from friends and well-wishers. I’m very proud to be a Freemason with such wonderful support by so many brethren.”
SEAN, WILFRID ATTENBOROUGH LODGE
Joining us means you’ll be joining more than 8,000 members throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and 175,000 across England and Wales, as well as many overseas.
Membership is open to any man over the age of 18 irrespective of their race or religion, and women are invited to join one of two female-only Grand Lodges: The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons.
There are a growing number of Lodges whose members share a particular pastime or interest from outside Freemasonry. These include football, rugby, aviation, sailing, scouting and country sports lodges. There is also a Lodge of Brevity which aims to appeal to the busy Freemason.
In the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight there are three university lodges: William of Wykeham Lodge (Winchester), Domus Dei Lodge (Portsmouth), and Southampton University Lodge.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight is the largest province of The United Grand Lodge of England and has 38 meeting places across its six smaller geographical areas.
Contact us.
Provincial Office, 85 Winchester Road, Chandler’s Ford, Eastleigh, Hampshire. SO53 2GG
Tel. 023 8026 1555