Freemasons' Hall

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Freemasons' Hall
Freemasons' Hall is the third Masonic Hall to be built in Great Queen Street, and was called the Masonic Peace Memorial. The building was at first estimated to cost one million pounds, but this figure was considerably exceeded. Most of the money was raised by the 1,321 Lodges who contributed a total amount averaging ten guineas (£10.50p) per member. These were declared Hall Stone Lodges. Their names are inscribed on the walls near the memorial on the first floor.	"In memory of those brethren who gave all for King and Country, Peace and Victory, Liberty and Brotherhood." The ceremonial laying of the foundation stone of the present Freemasons' Hall by H.R.H. The Duke of Connaught, Grand Master, in the presence of some 8,000 brethren in the Royal Albert Hall, 17th June 1927, the actual stone being simultaneously lowered into position on site.
The building was formally dedicated on the 19th July 1933. The architects were Bros. H.V. Ashley and Winton Newman. There are two main entrances into the building - one the normal day to day Administrative entrance, and the other is usually only opened on days of Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter or other important occasions. The shape of the building is that of an irregular hollow pentagon with the Grand Temple in the centre. It is split into five main storeys. The Basement - houses the boilers, other engineering and electrical equipment and workshops; strongrooms etc; offices for Grand Charity and Quatuor Coronati Lodge.	No. 1 Lodge Room and gallery of portraits of former Grand Masters.
Ground Floor. This contains the accommodation for the Grand Secretary and his Staff, the Grand Tyler's office which deals with the letting of Lodge rooms, a dispatch office for Grand Lodge publications, the Enquiry Office and the Grand Charity's Souvenir Shop. The Board of General Purposes Room and its ancillary Committee Rooms are also o this floor, and the largest Lodge Room (No. 1). This contains the principal collection of portraits of past Grand Masters.	Grand Temple from the masonic north west.
First Floor. This holds the Library and Museum; an Exhibition on the History of Freemasonry; a Smoking Room; two Conference Rooms; a Lodge Room; and the whole Grand Temple complex.	The Museum, housing the main collections of plate, glassware, porcelain and pottery, jewels and regalia.
Second and Third Floors. These are occupied by sixteen self contained Lodge Rooms of varying sizes. Mezzanine Floor. This is situated between part of the ground and first floors. It provides accommodation for two small Lodge rooms and rooms for Lodges of Instruction. The London Grand Rank Association also has its office on this floor.	Memorial Window.