What is Freemasonry?

Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world. Our roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles.

Our Guiding Principles

Freemasons use four important guiding principles to help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Charity.

Membership is open to people from all backgrounds and our aim is to empower members to be the best they can be - it's about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society.

Integrity

Building good people

Rather than working on buildings like the masons of old, today’s Freemasons focus on building themselves as people of integrity, and membership provides the structure to help achieve that goal.

At an individual level, being a Freemason gives members a sense of purpose, supporting and guiding them on their journey through life. Collectively, members are bonded through a sense of unity and equitability – principles fundamental to Freemasonry.

Friendship

Building Together

One of the oldest social organisations in the world, Freemasonry is not defined by an ideology. It is open to people from all religions and political persuasions, and provides the common foundation for friendships between members, many of which will last for life.

Being a Freemason means something different to each person who joins, but whether looking to make acquaintances or develop their own potential, all members share a sense of togetherness that strengthens their ability to succeed and grow.

Respect

Building Unity

With a membership of more than 200,000 people drawn from communities across the UK, Freemasonry brings people together irrespective of their race, religion or any other perceived differences that can divide us as a society.

Our members are proud to be Freemasons, and are encouraged to talk openly about what the organisation does and what it means to be part of it.

Service

Service Focus

Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.

Individuals make an important contribution at local, national and global level.

Thanks to their efforts, Freemasonry is one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing more than £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020 alone.

Freemasons don’t only donate money – more than 18.5 million hours of volunteer work are undertaken by Freemasons every year.

Read our Discover Freemasonry in Surrey Booklet

Becoming A Member

Becoming a Freemason means you'll be joining more than 200,000 members throughout England and Wales as well as Districts overseas.

Membership is open to any man over the age of 21 or 18 if you are a student studying at the University (as Onslow is part of UGLE University Scheme).

Women are invited to join one of the two female-only Grand Lodges:
The Order of Women Freemasons
Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons

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