Kent Museum of Freemasonry facts for kids

The Kent Museum of Freemasonry is a special museum located in St Peters Place, Canterbury, Kent. It holds a unique collection of items related to Freemasonry. These items are important both in the UK and around the world.

The museum shares the story of Freemasonry from its beginnings to today. It especially focuses on how Freemasonry grew in Kent, including its local groups called Lodges. Many people believe it has one of the best collections of Masonic items in the UK, outside of London. This includes beautiful stained glass windows from the 1800s. These windows used to be in the old Freemasons’ Hall in London.

Discover the Kent Museum of Freemasonry

The Kent Museum of Freemasonry welcomes everyone. It is easy to find in Canterbury, a city known for its history. The museum is just a short walk from Canterbury Cathedral. It is also close to the historic Westgate Towers.

This museum in Canterbury has many rare Masonic items. These pieces are interesting to people from all over the world. You can find things that connect to the history of Canterbury and the county of Kent.

The collection includes many Masonic paintings. There is also unique glassware and porcelain. You can see old documents and special gifts. The museum has a large collection of masonic manuscripts, special clothing called regalia, and books. These cover all types of Masonic groups throughout history.

Visitors can learn about the full history of Freemasonry. It covers from when it started until now. The museum pays special attention to Kent. It shows how the two main Masonic groups in Kent, East Kent and West Kent, manage their activities.

Even though the museum is in Canterbury, which is part of East Kent's Masonic area, it is run by a separate charity. This charity is called a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Its registration number is 1163887.

A Look Back: History of the Museum

The story of the Kent Museum of Freemasonry goes back to the late 1800s. Freemasonry has been in Canterbury since 1730. The city's first Masonic group met at the Red Lion Tavern. This tavern was next to the old Guildhall.

Over the years, different Masonic groups in Canterbury collected many items. These included old and new Masonic artefacts. Once their main meeting place, called a temple, was built in 1880, they brought all these items together. They kept them in a special room. As the collection grew, they needed more space.

In 1919, a new Masonic group, the East Kent Masters Lodge No.3931, started in Canterbury. Its first leader was Wykeham Stanley Cornwallis, 2nd Baron Cornwallis. He was also the head of the Masonic Province at that time. When he saw the growing collection of items, he had an idea. He wanted to create the Kent Provincial Library & Museum.

He thought about placing it in Maidstone or Bromley. But he decided that Canterbury would be the best location. Soon after, a fundraising committee was set up. They wanted to raise money to "house" the many treasures. These treasures had been collected by Masonic groups and members. Lord Cornwallis wanted them to stay under Masonic care.

By 1925, the fundraising was going well. The Province's accounts showed that land was bought for the Library & Museum. This land was in the garden of 34 St Peters Street, Canterbury.

In 1930, an architect was chosen to design the building. The main builders were W.W. Martin and G.H. Denne & Son. Lord Cornwallis was also a high-ranking leader in the United Grand Lodge of England. When the old Grand Library and Museum in Great Queen Street, London, was taken down, he saved some items. He brought the stained glass windows, internal doors, and most of the display cases to Canterbury.

The strong oak entrance doors were a gift from a member named Jimmy Edwards. These doors came from St Mary’s College in Hales Place, Canterbury. That building was also being taken down at the time.

The museum building was finished in June 1932. The total cost, including the land, was about £3,936. The Kent Library & Museum of Freemasonry officially opened on April 19, 1933.

The collection has continued to grow since then. It now has over 3,000 pieces. These include Masonic paintings, books, regalia, glassware, and ceramics. In 1993, the Kent Masonic Library and Museum Trust became a registered charity.

The museum closed for a big update in early 2011. It reopened in September 2012. Now, visitors can walk through and learn the history of Freemasonry. It highlights Kent, its Lodges, and their beginnings. Displays also feature famous Masons from Kent and Masonic military heroes.

Planning Your Visit

The museum is usually open every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It closes only for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

You can find the museum between Canterbury East and West railway stations. There is plenty of public parking nearby. You can park on the road or in Pound Lane.

The museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs.

The best part is that admission is free of charge!