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Research Centre

Ceremony of Making a Freemason

Masonic research helps to explain the history of Freemasonry and Masonic protocol. It does more than outline ‘where’ and ‘when’, but also ‘why’ arguably the most crucial component of Masonic research.

Quatuor Coronati (QC) is the world’s premier Masonic research Lodge. Established under the United Grand Lodge of England in 1884 and consecrated in 1886, the Lodge’s founders adopted an evidence-based approach to Masonic history that replaced the more imaginative writings of earlier authors. QC’s approach became known as the ‘authentic school’ of Masonic research and the same principles are maintained today.

The Lodge holds meetings incorporating lectures five times per year, usually at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London; and publishes its lectures, research papers and ‘Notes & Queries’ in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum (AQC) – the oldest continuously-running Masonic research journal in the world.

QC also arranges conferences and symposia in Britain and overseas on the many different aspects of Freemasonry, and shares its research and encourages scholarship through the QC Correspondence Circle (QCCC) the world’s first Masonic research society, established more than 135 years ago, which is open to all. Membership is recommended.

 

 

1723 Pine Frontispiece
1756 Constitutions Freemasonry
Early Moderns' Masonic Apron

Quatuor Coronati

You can visit the website for Quatuor Coronati and discover everything you need to know about the world’s premier Masonic research Lodge.

Established in 1884 and consecrated in 1886, its founders adopted an evidence-based approach to Masonic history that replaced the more imaginative writings of earlier authors. This led to it becoming known as the ‘authentic school’ of Masonic research – and the Lodge maintains those same principles today.

Visit the Quatuor Coronati website        

Aims of the Lodge

The aims of Quatuor Coronati Lodge have remained broadly the same for well over a century: to maintain an interest in Masonic research by presenting and discussing original research papers; publishing papers and comments in AQC; and supporting and encouraging Masonic scholars globally, not least through the QC Correspondence Circle.

Find out more about Quatuor Coronati’s aims

Quatuor Coronati’s lecture programme

Quatuor Coronati Lodge generally meets five times each year at Freemasons’ Hall in London.

View the Quatuor Coronati programme for the year

QC members’ talks and lectures

Members of Quatuor Coronati Lodge are available to give lectures nationally and internationally on the many different aspects of Freemasonry. Many have been Prestonian lecturers and all have a broad range of talks, interests and expertise.

Find out when and where to hear from Quatuor Coronati’s members, or arrange a talk or lecture

Submit research queries

Since its foundation, Quatuor Coronati has been a source of advice to those who have questions regarding the history of Freemasonry and Masonic protocol. The Lodge welcomes such research queries today from members of the QC Correspondence Circle.

Submit research queries

1723 Constitutions

2023 is the Tercentenary of the first Constitutions, a document that contains the Charges (the core principles of Freemasonry, which we recognise today), and a set of Regulations for the government of the Grand Lodge and its subordinate Lodges. This dedicated website explains the intellectual foundations of modern Freemasonry, based on Enlightenment principles, and how Freemasonry acted as a vector to spread these principles nationally and internationally.

1723 Constitutions website

Quatuor Coronati – contact information

Find out all the details you need to get in touch with Quatuor Coronati Lodge and join QCCC.

Quatuor Coronati - contact information