Universities Scheme

University Lodges in Southampton • Portsmouth • Winchester

It was more than 200 years ago when Apollo Lodge in Oxford was consecrated, and other ‘university’ lodges soon followed. In 2005 the United Grand Lodge of England launched the University Scheme to connect existing lodges with universities, and create new lodges.

There are now more than 90 lodges under this scheme, with 11 joining in the last two years along with two newly consecrated scheme lodges. In the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight there are three university lodges: Southampton (Southampton University Lodge), Portsmouth (Domus Dei Lodge) and Winchester (William of Wykeham Lodge).

The lodges forge close relationships with the universities, often attend freshers’ fairs, and provide a way into Freemasonry – with half fees for those under 25. Members of Southampton University Lodge annually have a presence at the university’s Freshers’ Fair. 

They were joined by the Order of Women Freemasons. The stand generated much interest amongst the students, most not realising women were also included. Gone are the days of the old mantra, ‘it’s just a blokes drinking club’.