3-021-610 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new Freemasons' Hall, Great Queen-Street, [in London], 1869. 'The new Grand Hall is in all respects a splendid building, and presented a gorgeous sight when opened for the first time in "Grand Lodge." No persons except Master Masons in craft attire were allowed to be present; but the Grand Master, when seated on his throne, was surrounded by upwards of a thousand officers of lodges from all parts of the United Kingdom...Its design is considered to have reflected much credit upon the architect, Mr. F. Cockerell, of Manchester-square...The dimensions of the hall are 96 ft. by 43 ft. The sculpture with which it is adorned, including the four figures of Wisdom, Fidelity, Charity, and Unity, is the work of Mr. W. G. Nicholl...The old Freemasons' Hall, which was preserved and incorporated with the new building, is now used by the Grand Lodge, while the new hall is devoted to the general meetings of the order. A handsome and convenient set of smaller rooms, and all the requisite offices for business, are annexed to the grand hall'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.