History

In early the 18th century, London was a pretty nasty place unless you were very wealthy and even then you had to know who your genuine friends were. A group of men got together to recognise this and to set about establishing something better for both themselves and for the less fortunate. To give things a bit of ‘gravitas’ they modelled their gatherings along those of the medieval Stonemasons who travelled around and met in “Lodges” on the sites of the castles and cathedrals they were building and who set the rules and codes of conduct amongst themselves, so they could really trust each other and support their genuinely qualified and experienced colleagues. Above all, “the cause of charity” was one of their guiding principles, as it is the Freemasons of today.

The above few lines are but a trite summary of a subject that has been researched and examined by many scholars over the years.

A very brief summary of Strawberry Hill Lodge :-

Two Lodges sponsored and supported Strawberry Hill’s formation – St. Luke’s, No.144 and the Lilly Lodge of Richmond, No.820.  Five local residents, already members of The Craft wished to join the proposed Lodge and four others expressed a desire to be initiated into it, drew up ‘The Petition’ which  sought approval for Regular Meetings to be held on the second Wednesday of every month (half-day closing for shops in those days !). After quite some negotiation, approval was given for the Lodge but it could only meet in the months of October, November, December, January, February, March and April.
Consecration and Constitution of the Lodge took place at “The Popes Grotto Hotel “on Wednesday, 8thApril 1863, after which all present enjoyed “a very handsome banquet”, at a cost of £2 17s 6d  (£2.87p in today’s money).
On the 8thNovember 1865, A Lodge of Instruction was established at “The Cricketers” tavern on Richmond Green. Five years later, our Worshipful Master Henry Smith Seconded a Petition for the Formation of a Provincial Grand Lodge of Middlesex. When this was so consecrated at “The Clarence Hotel”, Teddington, on 22nd January 1870, three members of Strawberry Hill were appointed to Provincial Offices.

During the 20th century”:-

“Ladies Day’s Outings” – a new Edwardian fashion – were inaugurated in 1909.

“The Great War” seemed to have little effect on the activities of the Lodge, though its steady expansion shot up a gear when 11 candidates were elected for Initiation under one, combined, ballot in November 1919.

“The Second World War” did not seriously disrupt the activities of the Lodge – apart from some “catering problems” associated with Rationing. Only one member was recorded as being KIA.

Currently, our members cover a wide range of past and present occupations :- Several are in the Army, one is a retired Nuclear Physicist, another runs a merchandising company: we have a Builder, an ex-Banker and a Footballer, plus an Aeronautical Engineer and a Quantity Surveyor. Members come in all shapes and sizes and range from being in their early 80s / late 70s down to some in their mid-20s. All are welcome and everyone brings diversity to the success of the Lodge.