Learn about Freemasonry
Freemasonry is an organisation focused on brotherhood, ethics, and community service, using symbolism and rituals to promote personal growth and charitable activities.
What it is
More than an organisation
Freemasonry is an age-old fraternal order that brings together like-minded men who share a commitment to personal growth, ethical living, and community service. It is wrapped in rich symbolism and tradition inherited from the medieval stonemasons' guilds that built Europe's great cathedrals.
Rather than constructing buildings, today's Freemasons focus on building themselves, becoming men of greater integrity, stronger character, and deeper purpose. In Ashby-de-la-Zouch, our two Lodges have been doing exactly that since 1859.
"More than just an organisation - it's a family, a heritage, and a way of life."
Ashby Freemasons
CORE VALUES
The four foundations
Integrity
Members strive to be people of honesty and strong moral character, in the Lodge and in everyday life.
Friendship
One of the world's oldest social organisations, open to men of all religions and backgrounds, friendships formed here often last a lifetime.
Respect
Freemasonry brings together men irrespective of race, religion, or background, united by shared values rather than divided by difference.
Service
From charitable fundraising to volunteering, service to the community is at the very heart of what every Freemason does.
A brief history
From medieval guilds to a global brotherhood
The stonemasons' guilds
Freemasonry traces its roots to the medieval craftsmen who built Europe's great cathedrals and castles. These guilds developed signs, grips and symbols of recognition to protect their trade knowledge and support one another.
Speculative Masonry emerges
As cathedral building declined, lodges began admitting non-craftsmen interested in the fraternity's moral and philosophical teachings. The first recorded English initiation was documented in 1646. In 1717, four London lodges united to form the world's first Grand Lodge at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul's Churchyard.
United Grand Lodge of England
Two rival Grand Lodges united to form the United Grand Lodge of England — the governing body of English Freemasonry to this day, built on the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.
Freemasonry arrives in Ashby
The first Ashby Lodge, Ivanhoe No. 631, was formed, the beginning of a Masonic tradition in the town that continues to this day.
Ferrers & Ivanhoe Lodge No. 779
A new warrant was granted, and through the support of Earl Ferrers and Edward Mammatt, Freemasonry was firmly established in Ashby. The Lodge has served the community for over 165 years, from gifting a pulpit to St Helen's Church to laying the foundation stone of the local Cottage Hospital.
Iconic symbols
Symbolism at the heart of the Craft
Square & compasses
The most recognised Masonic symbol. The square represents honest, moral conduct; the compasses, keeping one's desires within due bounds.
The letter G
Stands for geometry, the basis of stonemasonry and for many Masons, God or the "Grand Architect of the Universe."
The all-seeing eye
Known as the Eye of Providence, it represents the omniscient eye of God watching over a Mason's thoughts and actions.
Plumb & level
The plumb symbolises justice and uprightness; the level reminds every Mason that all men are equal.
The white apron
The "unique badge of a Mason" — worn in the Lodge, dating back to the leather aprons of working stonemasons.
Solomon's Temple
A central symbol of Freemasonry. Every Lodge symbolically represents the Temple, and initiates pass between its two great pillars, Boaz and Jachin.
The experience
What being a Freemason actually looks like
Membership is active, not passive. One member described it best: you can attend a show as an audience member and have a pleasant evening, or you can be in the cast, rehearsing together, laughing, supporting one another, and leaving with an overwhelming sense of achievement. Freemasonry is the cast.
Lodge meetings
Regular meetings follow centuries-old ritual and ceremony, delivered as one-act plays rich in symbolism and moral teaching.
The festive board
After every meeting, members gather for a four-course dinner, good food, good company, and the camaraderie that defines the Craft.
Social events
Ladies' nights, family Christmas parties, hog roasts, and more. Freemasonry in Ashby is as much social as it is ceremonial.
Charitable giving
From local causes to provincial festivals, members regularly raise thousands of pounds for charities across the community.
JOIN THE Brotherhood
Ready to find out more?
Freemasonry is open to men of all backgrounds over the age of 21 who hold a belief in a higher power. If you're seeking personal growth, lasting friendships, and a sense of purpose, we'd love to hear from you.
