Lodge History
Foundation and Early Years
Downshire Lodge No. 2437 was consecrated on 17th September 1892 in Wokingham Town Hall, under the leadership of RW Bro Lord Arthur William Hill, Provincial Grand Master of Down, who served as the first Worshipful Master. The Lodge was founded by 17 men from Wokingham, Reading, Oxford, and parts of London, and was sponsored by Grey Friars Lodge No. 1101.
The Lodge takes its name from the Marquesses of Downshire, whose English estate, Easthampstead Park, is located near Wokingham. The founders met initially at The Falcon in Clapham Junction — still standing today — to formalise their plans before moving the Lodge to its permanent home in Wokingham.
Membership and Growth
Over 125 years, Downshire Lodge has welcomed 546 members, including 342 initiates and 204 joining members from lodges across the UK and the world. The Lodge has been led by 118 Worshipful Masters, with several serving multiple terms. It has proudly established four daughter Lodges, two granddaughter Lodges, and one great-granddaughter Lodge, all contributing to the growth of Freemasonry in the region.
Though initially formed with strong London influence, the Lodge has become a local institution, with nearly half of all members historically hailing from Wokingham.
Civic Engagement and Public Life
Downshire Lodge has played a prominent role in local public life. From 1885 to 1942, members of the Lodge served as Mayor of Wokingham for 24 of those 58 years. Prominent civic leaders included Daniel Norton Heron, Admiral John Bridges Eustace, and Ernest William Reeves. The Lodge has continued this legacy of community leadership, with members who have actively served across various local councils in Bracknell Forest, Wokingham, Sandhurst, and Crowthorne.
Meeting Places and the Masonic Centre
The Lodge originally met at Wokingham Town Hall before relocating to Greyfriars Hall in Reading during World War II. In 1946, members purchased the disused Indoor Bowling Green on Reading Road, which was converted into the Wokingham Masonic Centre. This has been the Lodge’s home ever since.
In 1998, Downshire Lodge led the creation of Wokingham Masonic Centre Ltd, establishing shared governance among all Masonic bodies meeting there. This initiative ensures the long-term sustainability of the Centre as a key hub for Freemasonry in Berkshire.
Tradition and Charity
Downshire Lodge has a strong tradition of charitable giving, supporting major Masonic appeals such as the 1973 RMBI and 1985 RMIG festivals. It is also known for its social traditions, including the annual Ladies Festival, first held in 1926 and widely attended in the decades since.
The Lodge has faced challenges, most notably the devastating flood of 1979, which destroyed much of its archive. Through the resilience and dedication of its members, the Lodge quickly recovered and continued its work in the community.
Looking Ahead
While the Lodge continues to attract new members, it recognises the need to retain and engage those members more effectively. By focusing on mentoring, social inclusion, and broader opportunities within Freemasonry, Downshire Lodge aims to ensure a fulfilling experience for every member.
In recent years, the Lodge has also seen a welcome diversification in its membership, with the addition of three new Greek members, bringing the total to five — a reflection of the Lodge’s growing international and inclusive character.
The story of Downshire Lodge is one of dedication, vision, and fraternity. Built over generations by men committed to Masonic values, it now looks confidently to the future. With a strong foundation and a forward-thinking spirit, Downshire Lodge is prepared to thrive for the next 125 years and beyond.
This History was compiled by W Bro Bruce McKenzie-Boyle PM PAGDC PGStwd, Secretary with more than grateful thanks to W Bro William George Chandler PM PPGW, Secretary who compiled the Lodge History for the 50th Jubilee in 1942 and to W Bro Francis Ray Benwell PPJGW, W Bro Cecil Frederick Belcher PPGSuptWks, W Bro Charles Frederick Marten PPGSupWks, W Bro Horace Ernest Shead Chalk PPGReg who compiled the Lodge History for the Lodge Centenary in 1992 without which documents this Booklet could not have been written. It has been further edited by Bro Konstantinos Saipas
