The Masons - the History, the Rituals, and the Handshakes!

Did you know that the black and white chequered steps and entrances to Brighton houses and buildings were signs to members that Freemasons lived or worked here? And did you also know that today women can be Freemasons with their own 'Lodges'?

These were just a few of the intriguing facts about Freemasonry put to us on Tuesday 16th February by Reg Barrow, Curator and Librarian of Brighton’s Masonic Lodge. Other curiosities included the First, Second and Third 'Degrees' i.e. the wearing of aprons and half-aprons stemming from the days when stonemason apprentices wore aprons to protect themselves from the heavy labour of moving stones, and the fact that Brighton is the Masonic Capital of Sussex, with an amazing 44 Lodges!

 

Diane, the tour organiser said, ‘The Lodge is much larger than it appears, a real Tardis. There were so many beautiful things to see - a grand sweeping staircase, corridors with glass cases of artefacts, and the magnificent main temple on the top floor, decorated in the art deco style with the ‘All Seeing Eye'. It was truly an amazing experience!’

 

Reg ended the tour by answering some of our questions - but as you would expect from a dedicated Freemason, he was not at liberty to divulge any secrets!