Visit to Mark Mason’s Hall in St. James’s on Tuesday, 13 January 2026
A group of members was welcomed for a guided tour of the building, which included several of the magnificent temples. Our guide, Past Master Hackney Carriage Driver and General Secretary of the Hall, Dan Heath, provided a rich and engaging history of the Hall, its traditions, and its role within the wider Masonic community. His insight and enthusiasm added greatly to the experience.
Following the tour, members enjoyed a splendid lunch in one of the Hall’s elegant dining rooms. The atmosphere was warm and convivial, offering a welcome opportunity for fellowship and conversation.
Our thanks go to Mark Mason’s Hall for their hospitality and to all who attended for visiting such a memorable occasion.
History of Mark Masons’ Hall, 86 St James’s Street, London
Mark Masons’ Hall is a distinguished Masonic headquarters located at 86 St James’s Street in the central London district of St James’s, directly opposite St James’s Palace. It serves as the administrative home of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales and also houses several important appendant Masonic Orders.
Early History of the Site
The site itself has been in continuous use since the early 1700s and was originally associated with public houses and private clubs. In 1702, the address was home to Williams’ Coffee-House, a popular venue frequented by London’s literati. Throughout the 18th century, it later became a tavern, and in the 1770s was leased by Richard John Atwood, who established Atwood’s Club, boasting members such as the historian and Freemason Edward Gibbon. A fire destroyed the building in 1785, but it was rebuilt the next year. By the early 1800s, the premises operated as a public house known for billiards. Subsequently, it became the Union Club and later was used by Carey’s, the map makers.
Mark Masons Hall
The Current Building
In 1862, the then-existing structure was demolished to make way for a new building. Between 1862 and 1865, the present building was constructed in a High Victorian style, based on designs by the architect Sir James Thomas Knowles. The seven-storey property, now a Grade II listed Crown property, features distinctive elements such as arched windows, stone dormers, a panelled entrance hall, and ornate staircases.
Over the following century, the building served various elite London clubs:
1866–1869: Civil Service Club, with residential apartments above.
1870–1949: Thatched House Club.
1950–1964: Union Club (returning after relocation).
1964–1977: Constitutional Club, which carried out extensive refurbishment.
Becoming Mark Masons’ Hall
On 3 December 1977, the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of England and Wales obtained a 99-year lease on the building. Conversion of the former club premises for Masonic use began in February 1978 and was completed by July 1979. The Hall was formally opened on 1 September 1979 as the new headquarters for Mark Masonry in England and Wales.
The building houses seven dedicated Masonic temples, each named in honour of provinces or contributors to the Hall’s establishment. These temples were consecrated in September 1980 and include the Grand Temple, Brazil, Bristol, Hong Kong, River Plate, Warwickshire and Johann Gutenberg Temples.
Role and Significance Today
Today, Mark Masons’ Hall is one of the principal centres of Freemasonry in the UK. It not only administers the Mark Master Masons degree but also provides headquarters for numerous Masonic appendant orders, including Knights Templar, Red Cross of Constantine, Royal Ark Mariner, and others. In addition to its ceremonial temples, the Hall contains extensive dining and meeting facilities that host social events, luncheons, and Masonic gatherings.
