Who are we?
Norman Lodge members are very proud of the fact that our Lodge has been in existence for over 152 years, meeting in the same Masonic hall, in Old Elvet, Durham City, Co. Durham, England.
A city which can trace its history back more than a thousand years, to the arrival of a religious community seeking a permanent resting place for the body of St Cuthbert of Lindisfarne.
As a shrine for their saint, they built first a wooden, then a stone church, on top of a rocky hill, protected on three sides by the River Wear.
Following the Norman conquest of 1066, King William also found this site appealing and realised it offered an ideal strategic location from which to rule Northumbria and defend the region against the Scots. The community of Cuthbert gave way to Benedictine Monks and a Bishop appointed by the king. They began the building of the Cathedral, to provide a monumental shrine for St Cuthbert, and the Castle, to act as protection for the Cathedral and to provide a palace for the Bishop.
The result was one of the most impressive construction projects ever undertaken. The panoramic view of the Cathedral and Castle has been described as ‘one of the finest architectural experiences of Europe’ and together they are now designated a World Heritage Site.
Our Lodge meets 10 times a year, on the third Wednesday of the month except for July and August when we take our summer break.
We welcome visitors from Lodges around the world working under constitutions approved by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
What we do
We are an old Masonic Lodge who takes considerable pride in following the traditions and rituals of Freemasonry as well as having a modern outlook to life in general.
One our Masonic beliefs is charity, we try to support local charities when we can as well as giving help to national charities.
Why join us?
We have members from all walks of life who enjoy each other’s company and friendship. We try to look after our older members to make sure they are not forgotten in modern day life as well as catering for the younger generation.
Parking:
Parking is on the street outside the building, and it can on occasions be busy but it is free and generally available.
Approach:
The approach is level off the pavement.
Entrance:
Wide wheelchair accessible doors.
Emergency:
The Hall is also equipped with a defibrillator and has Emergency exits across all floors of the building.
Accessibility:
The hall is accessible for those with limited mobility with a combination of lift and stair lifts.
Many of our meeting places were built before disabilities were fully considered; many have protected status making major adaptations difficult. But Freemasons in themselves will adapt and assist Brethren, and visitors, to fully participate and enjoy the facilities.
Toilets:
The Hall is equipped with Male/female and disabled toilet facilities.
Inside:
A grand entrance leads into a hallway which runs through the heart of the building past the grand staircase to the great hall. The Hall itself has a modern bar, fully functioning commercial Kitchen, a three-tier garden ideal for summer socials and functions as well as a first-floor committee room and Temple room to seat 100.
Stairs/Lifts:
There is lift and stair lifts in the building.
