In the century following the formation of Lancaster's first Masonic Lodge, the Lodge of Fortitude, in 1789, Freemasons met in a sequence of venues, including the Assembly Rooms, the Athenaeum and several inns. However, the c.1690 Queen's Head Inn here at 74 Church Street was purchased in 1884 and, following rebuilding work, the Duke of Lancaster Lodge first met at the new, permanent Masonic Hall in April 1885. It now accommodates five Lodges, but I understand it's likely to be sold within the next year and activities transferred to an ex-church in Scotforth [Update June 2008: this doesn't seem to have happened.]

The mismatched plain wall at the extreme right is the 'New Temple', a 1958-60 extension of the original building. One wouldn't wish to fuel 'Masonic favouritism' stereotypes, but how did this ugly development receive approval in one of the most historical parts of the city?

76 Church Street, next door, is another of Lancaster's most historically-significant buildings, visited (requisitioned) by Charles Stuart, 'Bonny Prince Charlie', when he passed Lancaster in 1745, once on his advance south and again whilst retreating. It was owned by and interconnected with the Masonic Hall until 1927, then becoming the Conservative Club until the 1990s. I visited there today too, but didn't take any worthwhile photos. Maybe next Heritage Day....