Province of East Kent

St. Peter’s Place, Canterbury, Kent.

 Plans are being prepared to Expand and Modernise the Kent Museum of Freemasonry

These are exciting times for the Kent Museum of Freemasonry where plans are being worked on for a full rebuild of the gallery which displays the museum's unique collection.

Applications are in hand for substantial grants to add to the £50,000 already set aside. Following formal recognition of the national and international importance of the collection held by the Museum at Great Queen Street, in London, it is hoped that the Heritage Lottery Fund will look favourably on our efforts to open up our heritage assets in Canterbury to a wider public audience.

Below are two artists impressions as to how the Kent Museum of Freemasonry could look if we succeed in obtaining lottery funding.

The relocation of the Provincial office to Whitstable (planned to take place in September) will give more space for both the library and the museum. This will make our project far easier to manage. It also means that the unique Stained Glass Windows, which originally adorned the old Freemasons’ Hall in London, can be displayed in their full glory.

Our location, on Canterbury's tourist route, means that tens of thousands of visitors pass our premises every year. We hope to attract many of these tourists, as well as local people, to visit the modernised museum. If we receive lottery funding, the new Kent Museum of Freemasonry will be of national importance. It will, for generations to come, help to illuminate Freemasonry in a positive manner, for the benefit of our Brethren and those who are not members.

Come and visit the Kent Museum of Freemasonry in Canterbury

The Kent Museum of Freemasonry hosts a collection of unique and rare exhibits of national and international importance, examples of which are displayed in the pictures which follow. Our Library also contains over 2,000 books on Freemasonry. Presently, these are being catalogued. When completed, the catalogue will appear on this site.

A typical Lodge meeting circa 1730 - 1750

A Travelling Lodge Box. These were used mainly by Military Lodges when on the move.

The Honourable Elizabeth Aldworth.
The only lady known to have been initiated into a men's lodge. Recorded on the rolls of the Grand Lodge of Ireland 1714

A Lodge Banner, created and embroidered (on parachute silk?) by the wives of the Lodge members during the Second World War

One of a number of large Stained Glass Windows, from the old Freemasons Hall, London. There are also chairs and doors from the building.

Mozart playing his Masonic music.

Masonic Plate dated 1790, presented by W Bro Bill
Brooshooft, father of V W Bro Peter Brooshooft, the present Deputy Provincial Grand Master of East Kent.

There is a fine collection of Masonic Paintings, Glassware and Porcelain included in the Cornwallis Collection, along with documents and presentation items. The vast collection of Masonic Regalia and books covers all Orders and degrees through the ages.

Whether you just wish to browse or are a serious student of Freemasonry, there is plenty to interest you. The history of Freemasonry is here, from its inception through to the present time, with special emphasis on Kent and its modern day Provinces of East and West Kent.

Why not make up a party and visit by prior arrangement? Visiting times can be arranged for large parties. Arrangements can be made with the curator for a tour of the Masonic Temple. Members: why not bring your ladies with you and make a day of it? There are railway stations and several public car parks within walking distance. See the map with picture of entrance.

 Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
10:00 - 12:00
14:00 - 16:00
1st and 3rd Saturdays (May to September) 11:00 - 14:00

Enquiries and correspondence to:

The Secretary,
Kent Masonic Library and Museum Trust,
St. Peter's Place,
Canterbury,
Kent. CT1 2DA.

Telephone (01227) 785625
 

The Kent Masonic Library and Museum Trust is a registered charity no. 1018784

Click Here to see a short video of the Library and Museum

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