Scheme Lodges

The idea of a University Lodge in the Province of Cheshire was the subject of much discussion for three years. A meeting was then set up in May 2009 at the Willington Hall Hotel, chaired by Edward Lord of the Universities Scheme, to discuss the formation of a Universities Scheme Lodge. Since 2011, the University Lodge of Chester (ULoC) has initiated more than 50 candidates, and in 2018 saw the first postgraduate installed as Worshipful Master. That year was also notable for the Wardens, Deacons and Inner Guard all being under the age of 25.

In addition, 2021 was the third successive year the Lodge installed a ULoC-initiated student as Worshipful Master.

Consecrated in the Great Hall of the University of Nottingham, our name was suggested by the university’s Senate. A strong Lodge with a diverse membership, we have a wide range of ages, nationalities, experience and occupations (students, graduates, doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants, engineers, professors and lecturers). We are proud of the high quality of our ritual, in which junior Freemasons are involved right from the start. We enjoy a sociable dinner following each meeting and make visitors and all newer members feel most welcome. We hold many social activities, including a ‘White Table’ event following one of our regular meetings.

Founded in 1919 by academics working at the University of Sheffield, we have over a hundred years of Freemasonry intertwining with the third biggest student city in the country. As one of the earliest members of the UGLE University Scheme, we have a vibrant student and staff membership from across both campuses. Meeting close to the student villages in Ranmoor, our monthly meetings are always an enjoyable evening as well as the many social events arranged throughout the year. 

We are a craft Masonic Lodge located in London and constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England. The Lodge was originally formed in 1904 for individuals who were educated at Durham University, hence the name, but now we welcome anyone interested in joining regardless of their educational background. Our Mother Lodge is Universities Lodge 2352, situated at Durham University, and many of our members initially became Freemasons through that esteemed Lodge. We are an active participant in the Universities Scheme, which facilitates the admission of undergraduates and graduates into craft masonry during their time at university.

Our Lodge has met in Leicester since its foundation in 1910. It was named after William Wyggeston, a famous Leicester wool merchant and benefactor who formed an early almshouse in 1513.

As the Lodge moved into its second century, it entered a new chapter when it joined the Universities Scheme in 2011 to welcome University of Leicester students, staff and alumni – bringing our core values of integrity, friendship, respect and charity to a new generation.

We have a vibrant student membership, who are keen to develop their interest in Freemasonry and are particularly active in our charitable aims.