018049 
 
 (QnrncU Htitnetaita Sjtbratg 
 
 Stiiaca, ^tut f ntfe 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY 
 
 COLLECTED BY 
 
 BENNO LOEWY 
 
 1854-1919 
 BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
The date shows when Ihis volume was taken. 
 
 To renew this book copy the call No. and give to , 
 
 the librarian. 
 
 HOME USE RULES ^ 
 
 ^ All Books subject to recall \ 
 
 All borrowers must regis- 
 
 -...« ter in the library to borrow 
 
 books for home use. 
 
 * I All books must be re- 
 
 _ _^ _^ turned at end of college 
 
 year for inspection and 
 
 repairs. 
 
 Limited books must be 
 
 " returned within the four 
 
 week limit and not renewed. 
 
 Students must return all 
 
 books before leaving town. 
 
 Officers should arrange for 
 
 the return of books wanted 
 
 during their absence from 
 
 town. 
 
 Volumes of periodicals 
 and of pamphlets are held 
 in the library as much as 
 possible. For special pur- 
 
 ^ _ poses they are given out for 
 
 a limited time. 
 
 V Borrowers should not use 
 
 their library privileges for 
 the benefit of other persons. 
 
 Books of special value 
 
 and gift books, when the 
 
 giver wishes it, are not 
 
 allowed to circulate. 
 
 Readers are asked to re- 
 port all cases of books 
 marked or mutilated. 
 
 Do not d«'ace book^ by marks and writing. 
 
 ^"^ ^y.te.fli.rS,. .lodges: 
 
 olin,anx 
 
 3 1924 030 291 540 
 
 Overs 
 
¥2 
 
 Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of this book is in 
 the Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030291540 
 
ARMS FROM AHIMAI^ REZOK-1764. 
 
 The Aj/ns of the OpeiYi/ive or Stone Aftijo/is 
 
 -'-^e-fs to the ! 
 
 T/ze Anns of v rnoft AncierLt & Jlonoretble Jv-ateirnity 
 of J'j'ec and' A excepted Mafons. 
 
 Tioma-a C.Jack, London 3c Edmturgh, 
 
THE 
 
 YORKSHIRE LODGES 
 
 ^ Cmtutg of goitsijftte jftcemasontg. 
 
 / 
 
 BY 
 
 J. RAMSDEN RILEY, 
 
 Bradford 
 
 (Historian of 387), 
 
 P.P.G.D.C. West Yorkshire. 
 
 LEEDS: 
 
 THOMAS C. JACK, 48 PARK LANE. 
 
 LONDON: 45 LUDGATE HILL. 
 
 1885. 
 
TO 
 
 THOMAS RILEY, Esq., Harrogate, 
 
 P.M. AND P.Z., No. 600, BRADFORD, YORKSHIRE, 
 
 ttbis Morft Is H>eMcate5 
 
 AS A TRIBUTE OF FILIAL AFFECTION; 
 
 AND 
 
 IN APPRECIATION OF HIS ACKNOWLEDGED SKILL AND ABILITY 
 IN ALL THAT PERTAINS 
 
 TO THE 
 
 RITES AND CEREMONIES OF FREEMASONRY. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 -M- 
 
 It is fifteen years since I took a sufficiently active 
 interest in the Masonic History of Yorkshire to feel 
 the want of a few, guide-posts on a then trackless waste 
 (as in my inexperience it seemed), which in this book 
 I have endeavoured to supply ; partly because the detail 
 of the first, division was prepared between 1870 and 
 1875 for personal use, necessitating but slight addi- 
 tions ; but chiefly in deference to the wish of many 
 highly esteemed Past Masters, with whom, Masonically 
 and otherwise, I have been associated during the past 
 eighteen years. 
 
 In the prosecution of one idea — that of seeing the 
 history carefully compiled of every lodge dating before 
 the "Blessed Union" (as my indefatigable and dear 
 
 A 
 
ii P REV ACE. 
 
 friend Bro. Hughan has designated it), my unceasing 
 energies have been actively devoted. But the very 
 earnestness with which those labours have been pursued 
 has convinced me that without some assistance the 
 difficulties of successfully collating Masonic records 
 appear too great, and the risk of errors too prominent, 
 to encourage brethren, in many respects well qualified, 
 to devote themselves to the work. 
 
 As will be seen, I have avoided becoming in any 
 sense the historian in these pages ; rather attempting 
 to excite so much interest, by defining the landmarks 
 of history, as may tend to inspire confidence, and thereby 
 induce one in every lodge, but more particularly for 
 those of the last century. Many are unwritten ; and if 
 these were compiled, not only would minute-books be 
 better taken care of, because valued, but inducements be 
 removed which at present cause their frequent appear- 
 ance, where, of all places, they should never be found 
 — on the old-book stalls. 
 
 Let me add that a Lodge History, carefully pre- 
 served, may be a source of much delight to the members, 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 and answer every archaeological purpose, when needed, 
 without being published. And it is certain that Masonic 
 History can never be so interesting to brethren, and 
 never so well written, as when faithfully compiled for 
 purely Craft purposes. 
 
 To those brethren far and near who have aided me 
 by replying to innumerable inquiries extending over 
 many years, thereby enabling a mass of Masonic 
 evidence to be acquired, and to those zealous assistants 
 in my personal researches, whose hospitality and fra- 
 ternal attentions will never be forgotten, I am truly 
 grateful. 
 
 To my friend and brother, Geo. L. Shackles, P.M. 
 151 1, I am specially indebted, and tender my sin- 
 cere acknowledgments for many of the valuable seals 
 engraved in this book. It is not generally known that 
 Bro. Shackles probably possesses the finest collection 
 of Masonic medals in England, and his suggestions 
 have therefore been peculiarly valuable. 
 
 To my dear friend, Bro. W. J. Hughan, I owe so 
 many expressions of thoughtfulness and the kindest 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 feeling on his part of late years, during which I have 
 had the gratification and privilege of proving his self- 
 denying zeal in the cause of Freemasonry, that I should 
 have applied for permission to dedicate this work to 
 him, had not a claim, which I feel he will readily 
 acknowledge, interposed on this occasion. 
 
 I have to add, that since its completion, Bro. Hughan 
 has generously expressed a desire to write an Intro- 
 duction to this volume. This I am not only pleased 
 to acknowledge as a personal favour, but appreciate as 
 a very high honour and compliment that I could not 
 possibly have expected at his hands. 
 
 Bradford, July 1885. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 ->♦- 
 
 One of the most hopeful characteristics of Freemasonry 
 of late years is the attention that is being devoted to the 
 records of old lodges by competent brethren who are 
 making known to the craft, from time to time, particulars 
 of last century organisations which have recently been 
 brought to light. Many of the MSS. have for long been 
 unheeded, and their publication has been the means of 
 affording authentic and valuable information as to obscure 
 portions of the history of our beloved fraternity. 
 
 One of the most earnest workers in this direction, espe- 
 cially in regard to Yorkshire, is Bro. J. Ramsden Riley, 
 and I am glad to take the opportunity now afforded me 
 of congratulating him, and the other esteemed labourers 
 in the same field of research, on the success which has 
 
vi INTRODUCTION. 
 
 attended their well-directed investigations. There is still, 
 however, no lack of unexplored " mines of wealth ;" for, 
 until all the old lodges have had their histories written, 
 a complete account of the habits and customs of our 
 Masonic forefathers cannot be compiled. This is the 
 work, not of one, but of many brethren, and it is one 
 also which the members of last century lodges parti- 
 cularly should promote to their utmost. 
 
 " Yorkshire Lodges," by Bro. Riley, covers a period 
 of more than a century and a half, beginning with Scar- 
 borough in 1729, and ending with Leeds in 1884; the 
 oldest existing lodge (at Halifax) having its third 
 jubilee due in the year 1888. No less than 141 lodges 
 are enumerated in the following pages, 100 of which 
 are happily still on the roll of the Grand Lodge of Eng- 
 land, though four have left the province of their " first 
 love." 
 
 The premier modern country lodge was constituted at 
 Bath in 1724 (the first, however, in Yorkshire was not 
 granted until five years later) ; and the first Provincial 
 Grand Master for that county was not appointed until 
 
INTRODUCTION. vii 
 
 eleven years after the premier province was formed. 
 William Horton's patent was the seventh issued in 
 England and Wales ; the older provinces being (i) 
 North and (2) South Wales, 1727; (3) Shropshire, 
 1731 ; (4) Lancashire; (5) Durham; and (6) Northum- 
 berland, 1734. 
 
 It is remarkable that the "deputations" to William 
 Horton and Edward Rooke in 1738 and 1740 respec- 
 tively were restricted to the "West Riding" of the 
 county of York,* though at this period there was a lodge 
 working in the "North and East," as well as one in the 
 " West " Riding of Yorkshire. 
 
 Although considerable information has of late been 
 published as to the proceedings of the " Grand Lodge 
 of All England " (York), not only in my " Masonic 
 Sketches and Reprints," and the brochures of Bro. T. 
 B. Whytehead, but also by Bro. R. F. Gould in his 
 invaluable " History of Freemasonry," f I should like to 
 
 * Constitutions, 1756 and 1767. 
 
 t Thomas C. Jack, London, Edinburgh, and Leeds. Vol. iv.. Chapters xvi. 
 and xviii. 
 
 '\ 
 
viii INTR OD UCTION. 
 
 say a few words on the subject, in connection with 
 "Yorkshire Lodges." 
 
 It is a fact, unfortunately, that the MS. book begin- 
 ning March 7, 1705-6, is missing, but the roll of 1712-30 
 still exists, and has been accurately reproduced.* The 
 old lodge doubtless was at work during the seventeenth 
 century and earlier, the " York " Lodge, No. 236 (as Bro. 
 Riley mentions), being the honoured custodian of its 
 numerous and most precious relics. The roll of Presi- 
 dents from 1705 is very interesting, as also the minute 
 (now missing) of the lodge which was held at Bradford 
 in 1 713. A still earlier assembly is noted at Scarborough 
 in 1705, which in all probability was convened under 
 the auspices of the old lodge (at York), and of which 
 we have an account in the endorsement on a copy of the 
 "Old Charges," now in the possession of the Grand 
 Lodge of Canada. 
 
 As a Grand Lodge it appears to date from 1725, but 
 no separate lodges seem to have been warranted until 
 
 * Thomas C. Jack, London, Edinburgh, and Leeds. Vol. iv., Chapters xvi. 
 and xviii. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 after the "Revival" of 1761, when the following were 
 granted, with others: — 
 
 (a) French Lodge, York, 1762. 
 
 (3) Scarborough, 1762. 
 
 (c) "Royal Oak," Ripon, 1769. 
 
 (d) "Crown," Knaresborough, 1769. 
 
 (e) "Duke of Devonshire," Macclesfield, 1770. 
 (/) Hovingham, 1773. 
 
 ii") Snainton, near Malton, 1778. 
 
 (//) Druidical Lodge, Rotherham, 1778. 
 
 (i) " Grand Lodge of' England south of the River Trent," 
 
 London, I779- [Two Lodges warranted.] 
 (J) Lodge of " Fortitude," Hollingwood, Lanes., 1790. 
 
 Four Royal Arch Chapters were also constituted, and 
 the degree of Knight Templar was worked by authority 
 of that Grand Lodge, all of which bodies (Grand Lodge 
 and subordinates) collapsed prior to the advent of this 
 century, and left no representatives. 
 
 I am glad that my friend and brother Riley has 
 
 alluded to George Walker of Wetherby, as he it was who 
 
 presented the York MS. No. 4 of a.d. 1693 to the Grand 
 
 Lodge of All England ; which unique document records 
 
 the names of six members of the lodge of that year, but 
 
 where held it is impossible now to decide. 
 
 B 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 The circulation of the valuable work on "Yorkshire 
 Lodges " should lead to similar volumes being published 
 in other Provinces, and I feel certain that such a result 
 would soon be attained if Provincial Grand Masters 
 generally were inclined to follow the excellent example 
 set by the R.W. Bro. Thomas W. Tew, J. P., the Masonic 
 chief for West Yorkshire, whose Masonic researches and 
 addresses are deservedly appreciated. 
 
 W. J. HUGHAN. 
 
 Torquay, /ufy 23, 1885. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PART I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES, 1729-1828 15 
 
 PART 11. 
 
 1. A COMPLETE LIST OF YORKSHIRE LODGES, 1729-1884 . . 83 
 
 2. A LIST SHOWING THE CHANGES OF NUMBER . . .100 
 CONCLUSION 109 
 
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 
 
 -♦♦- 
 
 Plate I Frontispiece 
 
 1. Arms of the Operative Masons, from Ahiman Rezon, 1764. 
 
 2. Arms of the "Ancients" or Seceders, from Ahiman Rezon, 1764. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Plate II.— Grand Lodge Seals 17 
 
 1. Grand Lodge "Ancients" Seal, from a Certificate of 1807, London. 
 
 2. United Grand Lodge Seal, from a Certificate of 1828, London. 
 
 3. Grand Lodge of Ireland Seal, from a Certificate of 1809, Dubhn. 
 
 4. Grand Lodge Seal before the Union, from a Certificate of 1789, London. 
 
 5. United Grand Chapter Seal, from a Certificate of 185 1, London. 
 
 6. Grand Lodge "Ancients" F. C. Seal, from a Certificate of 1764, London. 
 
 7. Grand Chapter "Ancients" Seal, from a Certificate of 1801, London. 
 
 8. Grand Chapter Seal before the Union, from a Certificate of 1789, London. 
 
 Plate III.— Grand Lodge and Chapter Seals (York) 41 
 
 1. Grand Lodge of All England Seal, 1761. 
 
 2. Grand Chapter of All England Seal, 1780. 
 
 3. Grand Lodge of All England Seal, 1776. 
 
 4. Grand Lodge of All England Counter Seal, 1776. 
 
 Plate IV. — Seals of Yorkshire Lodges 73 
 
 1. Seal of Lenox Lodge, Richmond (Old Seal), 1763. 
 
 2. Seal of Lenox Lodge, Richmond (Present Seal), 1863. 
 
 3. Seal of Apollo Lodge, York, from a Dispensation of 1788. 
 
 4. Seal of Amity Lodge, London, afterwards Steeton. 
 
 5. Seal of Parrot Lodge, Leeds. 
 
 6. Seal of Old Globe Lodge, Scarborough. 
 
 7. Seal of Duke of York's Lodge, Bingley. 
 
 8. Seal of Harmony Lodge, Halifax. 
 
 9. Seal of Probity Lodge, Halifax. 
 
 10. Seal of Humber Lodge, Hull, probably used instead of a Seal on ofificial 
 communications. 
 
 11. Seal of Union Lodge, York. 
 
 Plate V.— Lodge and Chapter Seals 97 
 
 1. Seal of Separatist Lodge, Barnsley. 
 
 2. Seal of Airedale Lodge, Shipley. 
 
 3. Seal of Perseverance Chapter, Halifax. 
 
 4. Seal of Humber Lodge, Hull. 
 
 5. Seal of No. 91 "Ancients," Leicester (Old Seal), 1762. 
 
 6. Seal of Philanthropic Lodge, Leeds. 
 
 7. Seal of Constitutional Chapter, Beverley. 
 
 8. Seal of Hope Lodge, Bradford. 
 
 9. Seal of Royal Yorkshire Lodge, Keighley. 
 
 10. Seal of No. 471 St. John's Lodge, Leicester (Old Seal), 1793. 
 
 11. Seal of Unanimity Chapter (? Wakefield or York). 
 
 Facsimile of Title-page of Proceedings of Provincial Grand Lodge for the County 
 
 of York, held August 26, 1789 57 
 
PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTERS. 
 
 PROVINCE OF YORKSHIRE. 
 
 1738 — William Horton, Esq. 
 
 1740 — Edward Rooke, Esq. 
 
 1 77 1 — Sir Thomas Tancred, Bart. 
 
 1780 — Sir Walter Vavasour, Bart. 
 
 1787 — Richard Slater Milnes, Esq. 
 
 1803 — Richard Rich, Esq. 
 
 1805 — Robert Pemberton Milnes, Esq.' 
 
 PROVINCE OF WEST YORKSHIRE. 
 
 18 1 7 — Robert Pemberton Milnes, Esq. 
 
 182 1 — Lord Pollington, afterwards Earl of Mexborough. 
 
 1 86 1 — Earl de Grey and Ripon, afterwards Marquis of 
 
 RiPON, 
 
 1875 — Sir Henry Edwards, Bart, C.B. 
 1885 — Thomas W. Tew, Esq., J. P. 
 
 PROVINCE OF NORTH AND EAST YORKSHIRE. 
 
 1817 — Lord Dundas, afterwards Earl of Zetland. 
 
 1835 — Hon. Thomas Dundas, afterwards Earl of Zetland. 
 
 1874 — Right Hon. the Earl of Zetland. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1729. Three Tuns, Scarborough, No. 59. 
 
 It is worthy of note that the Three Tuns, the 
 first Yorkshire lodge respecting which we have 
 reliable evidence, was constituted by the Moderns, 
 August 27, 1729, at Scarborough, as No, 59. Un- 
 fortunately it had not a long life, and its actual 
 transactions, it is to be feared, are irrecoverably 
 lost to us. In 1740 its number was changed to 
 52, and under that number the lodge was erased 
 by Grand Lodge on November 29, 1754. 
 
 The minutes during this period (1729- 1754) 
 would have been most valuable at the present day. 
 Nevertheless, I believe this to have been the first 
 " speculative " lodge ever formed in Yorkshire, 
 although at the time of its foundation there would 
 be a lodge in York of an operative character (though 
 
1 6 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 not wholly so) from which ultimately emerged the 
 ' Grand Lodge of All England in that city. 
 
 1738. Black Bull, Halifax, No. 176; now Probity, 
 Halifax, No. 61. 
 
 This, the second Yorkshire lodge, was warranted 
 to meet at the Black Bull, Halifax, August i, 1738 
 (Carnarvan, G.M. ; J. Ward, D.G.M.), as No. 176 
 under the Moderns. It was afterwards held suc- 
 cessively at Rose and Crown, Old Cock, Union 
 Cross, Bath Tavern, again at Union Cross, and 
 again at Old Cock ; and ultimately its meetings 
 were and are now held at the Freemasons' Hall, 
 St. John's Place, Halifax. Its several changes of 
 number have been as follows, viz. : — 
 
 1740 to No. 162. 1770 to No. 81. 1792 to No. 61. 1832 to No. 73. 
 1756 to No. 97. 1781 to No. 65. 1814 to No. 84. 1863 to No. 61. 
 
 As will be seen, the precedence given by ballot 
 at the union to the Ancients deprived this lodge 
 of its proper place amongst lodges in the county 
 as the oldest then existing. The Probity is now 
 
GKAMD LOBGE ANB CHAPTER SEALS 
 
 IGRAND LODGE, ^n,&ieft£8:' 
 
 4i GRAND LODGE, Moderns^ 
 before- 1813. 
 
 GRAND LODGE OF IRELAND 
 
 I809 
 
 3 
 
 2»9 DEGREE SEAL 
 
 GRAND LODGE, 'ANCIENTS" 
 
 1764 
 
 6 
 
 2 UNITED GRAND LODGE 
 
 5 UNITED GRAND CHAPTER 
 a/ter 1817. 
 
 7 GRAND OHkPlZK.^ncieata" 
 before' 1817. 
 
 8 GRAND CHAPTER, as. 
 iertjT^teiy. 
 
 Tboma-s C Jack, London JtEdmburgh 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 17 
 
 the oldest of Yorkshire lodges, and inspires a York- 
 shire historian with an amount of reverence due to 
 no other in the county, and indeed to very few 
 under the Grand Lodge of England. 
 
 All the vicissitudes of Masonry during a most 
 trying period (the four Grand Lodges were all at 
 work in its time) failed to shake its loyalty. 
 
 Firm as a rock, it upheld its most appropriate 
 name of Probity, and whilst other lodges at various 
 times were distracted with discussions on the merits 
 of seceders and so-called "Ancient Masonry" and 
 " Old Institutions," this set an example, by which 
 its history will be perpetuated throughout all time, 
 of unswerving fidelity to its warrant of constitution 
 and the Grand Lodge of England. Calm and un- 
 moved, it continued its useful career, conscious of 
 its internal strength ; the tumultuous seas of schism 
 surging around it, too often representing the ambitious 
 aims of an active few, only served as a warning and 
 added still more to its solidity, ensuring that later 
 prosperity and sphere of after usefulness, the fruits 
 
 of a confidence which such principles of loyalty 
 
 C 
 
t8 the YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 always inspire. The centenary of the lodge was 
 celebrated July 30, 1838. Whether we regard the 
 Probity Lodge as a model of Masonic loyalty to 
 the "powers that be," or study it from the stand- 
 point of antiquity, we must place it in the very 
 highest position of honour amongst the lodges of 
 Yorkshire. It is by a long way the oldest existing 
 lodge, and stands to-day the finest monument of our 
 county's Masonry. To belong to such a lodge is 
 an honour to any Mason ; nor can any member, if 
 he knows its history, look back upon it without 
 pride, nor, one would think, without a sincere wish 
 to keep up, for the honour of the grandest human 
 institution ever designed, the brightness of its 
 illustrious prestige. The warrant of this lodge is 
 in a truly marvellous state of preservation, and it 
 is moreover a work of art, having been the gift of 
 Bro. Samuel Spencer, Grand Secy., and the special 
 work of Bro. Michael Devon, Dep. Grand Secy. 
 From the inscription it bears, the giver was " born 
 at Halifax in Yorkshire." 
 
 The continuous minutes of the Probity Lodge 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 19 
 
 are singularly valuable, and may almost be said 
 to embrace Yorkshire Freemasonry in themselves 
 Lately these have received the attention they are 
 so much entitled to from the worthy Secretary, 
 Bro. Herbert Crossley, and I have faith in his 
 being able to give a good account of them and the 
 archaeological curios still preserved. The lodge 
 was designated in the minutes up to 1793 as St. 
 John the Baptist. After removal to Bath Tavern, 
 June 10, 1795, the name of Probity was adopted 
 there on the 29th of that month. It is not to be 
 supposed that the Probity was always exempt from 
 trials and vicissitudes, though no doubt these were 
 materially lessened owing to its loyalty and propor- 
 tionate stability. As a matter of fact, these qualities 
 enabled it to surmount them on one or two very 
 trying occasions during its earlier existence, when it 
 became almost a question of very great improve- 
 ment or dissolution. Happily the latter did not 
 take place, for in such a lodge improvement comes 
 when least expected. 
 
20 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1754. Parrot, Leeds, No. 243. 
 
 Warranted at the Parrot, Cow Lane, Leeds, 
 March 28, 1754, as No. 243. Like the two pre- 
 ceding lodges, this was under the Moderns. It 
 was the first Leeds lodge, and exerted a powerful 
 influence in favour of our Order during its existence, 
 as, like the Golden Lion of seven years later, the 
 Parrot showed considerable vitality. In 1756 the 
 number was changed to 181, and in 1770 to 142. 
 This lodge appears in Cole's engraved list of 1776, 
 but expired before 1781. 
 
 1756. Ancient Knight Templars, Liverpool, No. 53 ; now 
 Humber Lodge, Hull, No. 57. 
 
 Constituted at Liverpool by the Atholl Grand 
 Lodge, May 19, 1756, and confirmed by warrant. 
 May 25, 1775, at the Buck and Dog, Strand Street, 
 Liverpool. The warrant was withdrawn in 1807, 
 but re-issued to the brethren who founded the 
 Humber Lodge, as per indorsement thereon ; and 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 21 
 
 from a knowledge of its most eventful existence, 
 I can understand the veneration with which this 
 warrant is held by the lodge. I would also strongly 
 recommend secretaries who delight in model minute- 
 books to visit this prosperous lodge and obtain per- 
 mission to view some there which, for caligraphy 
 and neatness, are worthy of their unusually expen- 
 sive bindings. The lodge was opened at the Fleece 
 Inn, Hull, on March 16, 1809, under its old name 
 of Ancient Knight Templars' Lodge, No. 53, from 
 which date it became a Yorkshire lodge. The 
 change of name to " Humber" Lodge took place on 
 July 2, 1810, and at the Union the number became 
 No. 73. Since, it acquired No. 65 at the closing- 
 up in 1832, and No. 57 in 1863. The meetings 
 are now held at the Freemasons' Hall, Osborne 
 Street, Hull, a very fine building for Masonic pur- 
 poses. Besides the varied wealth of its Masonic 
 library and curios, the records of the three extinct 
 lodges — Apollo, York ; Phoenix, Hull ; and Rodney, 
 Hull — have long been in its possession. 
 
22 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 This being the first "Atholl" lodge mentioned 
 in this volume, it will be appropriate to state here 
 that the Ancients did not close-up like the Moderns, 
 so that such lodges, existing before the Union, con- 
 tinued the same number as constituted up to 1814, 
 with very rare exceptions. By this rule the Humber 
 Lodge was 53 when resuscitated at Hull just as it 
 was when founded at Liverpool in 1756, and did not 
 change until the Union, when it acquired 73. 
 
 1758. A Lodge at Sheffield, No. 72 ; now Royal Clarence, 
 Bristol, No. 68. 
 
 This was a military lodge under the Ancients, 
 
 constituted at Sheffield in the nth Regiment, 
 
 September 23, 1772, under warrant dated November 
 
 15, 1758. It was removed from Sheffield to Bristol, 
 
 September 14, 1807. It acquired No. 95 at the 
 
 Union, No. 81 in 1832, and No. 68 in 1863, and 
 
 is now working at the Freemasons' Hall, Bristol, 
 
 as Royal Clarence Lodge, No. 68. This lodge is 
 
 now in the Masonic province of Bristol. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 23 
 
 1759. Black Bull, Hull, No. 252. 
 
 Warranted August 20, 1759, at the Black Bull, 
 Myton Gate, Hull, as No. 252 (Moderns).' Like 
 the Blue Bell, No. 267, of 1761, it expired before 
 the closing-up of 1770. It was the first Masonic 
 lodge constituted in Hull, but was almost imme- 
 diately followed by an "Atholl" lodge (No. 78), 
 which greatly interfered with its progress. 
 
 1759. A Lodge at Hull, No. 78. 
 
 Constituted under the Ancients as Kingston-upon- 
 HuU, No. 78, September 3, 1759. This lodge, like 
 many others under the seceders, collapsed at the 
 Union in 1813; but during its career, owing to the 
 greater popularity of "Atholl" Masonry amongst 
 sea-captains and others regularly visiting the port, it 
 prospered whilst the Black Bull had to struggle for 
 existence. 
 
 The Masonic history of Hull abounds in inci- 
 dents and situations. These two lodges were not 
 
34 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 conspicuous for much brotherly love ; indeed, the 
 hatchet was never buried until the Black Bull and 
 Blue Bell Lodges succumbed to adverse circum- 
 stances. No. 78, No. 252, and No. 267 (all three 
 extinct), did not impress the worthy burgesses very 
 favourably towards Masonry, and the Union of 1813 
 proved a real blessing. 
 
 1761. Golden Lion, Leeds, No. 258. 
 
 Warranted January 8, 1761, as No. 258 Moderns 
 at the Talbot Inn, from which hostelry it removed to 
 the Golden Lion. I adopt the latter designation in 
 this case because its Masonic life is more intimately 
 associated with it. Both the Golden Lion and Parrot 
 had some good members, and through their exer- 
 tions became well-known lodges. The Golden Lion 
 changed its number in 1770 to 205, and to No. -^ 
 in 1781, but was erased as 165 in 1786. 
 
 * At the closing-up known as 1781, certain lodges, distinguished in this manner, 
 were assigned a lower number than really entitled to, through the omission of a 
 lodge (Prince George, Plymouth) in error. The mistake being set right the follow- 
 ing year, I have adopted the corrected numbers in List No. II. at the end of this 
 volume, not wishing to destroy the individuality of a recognised closing-up by 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 35 
 
 1761. Punch Bowl, York, No. 259. 
 
 Warranted January 12, 1761, and held at the 
 Punch Bowl, Stonegate, York, as No. 259 Moderns. 
 It expired in 1764, and, of course, never had another 
 number, although retained in the lists some time 
 after it had virtually expired. In the minutes of the 
 Grand Lodge of All England, December 14, 1767, 
 it is stated that this lodge (Punch Bowl) "had been 
 for some years discontinued." Its "transactions" 
 (1761-1764), are now in the possession of the York 
 Lodge, No. 236, at York. The Punch Bowl Inn 
 was a famous resort of Masons, being what was 
 then and afterwards called a Masonic " house." 
 
 1761. A Lodge at Sheffield, No. 85. 
 
 This lodge was constituted January 21, 1761, under 
 an Atholl military warrant, No. 75, dated March 18, 
 1759, given up to the Sheffield Ancients by the 72d 
 Regiment. It was extinct before the Union. 
 
 division. A correction of this nature can scarcely be called a closing-up, although, 
 to be strictly accurate, another column would be necessary (as 1782) to allow for 
 both numbers given to those particular lodges affected. 
 
 D 
 
26 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1761. Blue Bell, Hull, No. 267. 
 
 Warranted October 27, 1761, as No. 267 Moderns, 
 and held at the Blue Bell, Hull. This, and the Black 
 Bull, No. 252, had but a precarious existence, 
 and both expired before the change of numbers 
 in 1770. 
 
 1762. Ship, Harewood Bridge, No. 103. 
 
 This lodge, constituted under the Ancients in 
 1762, was in Ahiman Rezon for 1813, but got no 
 new number at the Union, having, in fact, ceased 
 to work some tipie before then. 
 
 1762. Half Moon, Otley, No. 287. 
 
 Warranted August 16, 1762, at the Half Moon, 
 Otley, as No. 287 Moderns. It had a brief exist- 
 ence, and expired in 1769. This lodge was evidently- 
 formed for the convenience of a few Masonic vete- 
 rans resident in the neighbourhood, as was the 
 case with the preceding lodge at the Ship, Hare- 
 wood Bridge. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. a/ 
 
 1762. Ship, Sheffield, No. 105. 
 
 Constituted in December 1762 at the Ship Inn, 
 Water Lane, Sheffield, under the Ancients, as No, 
 105. Like No. 103, it was extinct before the Union, 
 but appeared in Ahiman Rezon for 1813. 
 
 1763. Lodge at Richmond, No. 297 ; now Lenox, No. 
 123. 
 
 Warranted May 4, 1763, by the Moderns at the 
 Masons' Arms, and afterwards held at the Blue 
 Bell, Richmond, as No. 297. Changed its number 
 in 1770 to 242, and at the Old Black Bull in 1871 
 to ^. The name of Lenox was adopted, and in 
 1792 the number was changed to 165, in 1814 to 
 202, in 1832 to 144, and in 1863 to 123, at the 
 King's Head, Richmond. This old lodge now 
 meets at the Masonic Hall, Richmond. There are 
 two seals of the lodge to which attention should be 
 called. That of "Lenox Lodge, No. 123," is the 
 
28 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 seal now in use, and is very beautiful. The other, 
 I think, dates from 1763, and is very valuable. It 
 is remarkable for the crest (that of the Operative 
 Masons), largely adopted also by the Irish lodges 
 at the time, and the ancient form of the com- 
 passes. The Lenox Lodge has always been a sturdy 
 loyalist, not unlike the Halifax Probity in the 
 unshaken trust, it reposed in the Grand Lodge of 
 the Moderns. There should be some very interest- 
 ing records in the archives of Lenox Lodge. 
 
 1764. Golden Lion, Whitby, No. 127. 
 
 Constituted at Whitby as Golden Lion, No. 127, 
 Ancients, June 25, 1764, but extinct before the 
 Union. It was the first Masonic lodge constituted 
 in Whitby. The members seem to have been few 
 and unsettled. Some of them formed a lodge 
 under the Moderns in 1772, the usual result being 
 that neither prospered. At the Union both had 
 disappeared. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 29 
 
 1765. Tontine, Sheffield, No. 340 ; now Britannia, No. 
 139. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns, April 19, 1765, as 
 Tontine, No. 340, at the Rose and Crown, Shefifield. 
 Its name was changed to Britannia, April 8, 1795, 
 the number having become 277 in 1770, in 1781 
 No. ^, and in 1792 No. 189. 
 
 At the Union it acquired No. 232, and in 1832 
 No. 162. In December 1841 it was removed to the 
 Music Hall, Sheffield. In 1863 the number was 
 again changed to 139. The centenary was celebrated 
 in 1865, and the lodge is now held at Freemasons' 
 Hall, Surrey Street, Sheffield. This is another 
 lodge with a very interesting history, and for a 
 long period it would, as regards numbers, be the 
 most powerful in the county. It looked down with 
 supreme contempt on its Atholl contemporaries in 
 the same town, and is now the strongest lodge in 
 West Yorkshire. 
 
3° THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1765. Swan with Two Necks, Saddleworth, No. 139; 
 now St. John's, Stockport, No. 104. 
 
 There is just a doubt whether, during a brief 
 period, this lodge, originally constituted under the 
 "Old Institutions," October i6, 1765, as Star Lodge, 
 Longdendale, Cheshire, would be then considered a 
 Lancashire or a Yorkshire lodge. As No. 139 it 
 was removed to Dobcross, Saddleworth, and there 
 reconstituted as Swan with Two Necks, January 
 i3> 1775- It was removed to Grapes, Stockport, 
 March 31, 1806, and acquired No. 168 at the 
 Union, No. 121 in 1832, and its. present number, 
 104, in 1863. It is always satisfactory to note the 
 prosperity of lodges, but when these come back to 
 invigorate the old parental province after " seeing 
 the world," none can deny them a good wish for 
 the future. This lodge is now working in the 
 province of Cheshire. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 31 
 
 1766. Unanimity, Wakefield, No. 361; now No. 154. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns, February 15, 1766 
 (Blaney, G.M.), as No. 361, at the George and 
 Crown, Wakefield. Its several changes of number 
 have been as follows, viz. : — 
 
 1770 to No. 296. 1792 to No. 202. 1832 to No. 179. 
 
 2'?7 
 
 1781 to No. -^. 1814 to No. 252. 1863 to No. 154. 
 
 Under the last-named number its meetings are 
 now held in a very compact and beautiful Masonic 
 Hall in Zetland Street, Wakefield. It has had 
 a comparatively settled and orderly existence, and, 
 no doubt, its valuable records are carefully pre- 
 served. The very uncommon seal of the Chapter 
 attached to this lodge will be found engraved 
 amongst others in this work. It possesses a quiet 
 elegance of its own, characteristic of respectability, 
 order, and prosperous circumstances, which, I trust, 
 may long continue. 
 
32 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1766. Three Grand Principles, Islington, No. 373; now 
 Dewsbury, No. 208. 
 
 As a Yorkshire lodge the Three Grand Principles 
 only dates from 1803, when it was removed from 
 London to Dewsbury, where it still continues to 
 hold its meetings. The original warrant (Moderns) 
 was dated September 10, 1766, at the King's 
 Head, Islington (see Cole's engraved list of 1770), 
 as No. 373, changed to No. 308 in 1770, to No. ^ 
 in 1 781, and No. 283 in 1792. This lodge received 
 a warrant of confirmation (Sir Peter Parker, D.G.M.) 
 dated February 10, 1804. At the Union the 
 number of the lodge became 358, in 1832 No. 
 251, and in 1863 No. 208. Its meetings are now 
 held at the Masonic Hall, Long Causeway, Dews- 
 bury. Sir Peter Parker, Bart., whose signature is 
 on several Yorkshire lodge warrants, was captain 
 of H.M.S. Menelaus, and was killed in action while 
 storming the American camp at Bellair, near Balti- 
 more, August 31, 1 8 14. He frequently presided 
 as G.M. in place of H.R.H. Henry Frederick, Duke 
 of Cumberland, in 1 788-1 790. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 33 
 
 1767. Amity, London, No. 406. 
 
 The Amity, as a Yorkshire lodge, dates from 
 1 806, when it was removed from Preston to Steeton. 
 It was originally warranted (October 18, 1767) by 
 the Moderns as Amity Lodge, No. 406, at the 
 Sussex Coffee-House, West Smithfield ; removed to 
 White Horse Inn, Preston, and in 1770 became 
 No. 341, in 1 78 1 No. ^, and No. 224 in 1792. 
 At the Union its number became 280 ; through all 
 its vicissitudes the name (Amity) remaining the 
 same. This lodge was finally erased by Grand 
 Lodge, March 5, 1828, after repeated warnings of its 
 arrears by the Grand Secretary. It was an active 
 lodge in 18 15, when it joined the Lodge of Promul- 
 gation formed by thirteen lodges under Bro. John 
 Sutclifife, W.M. of Probity, Halifax, then No. 84.* 
 
 * These were: Probity, Halifax, 84; Royal Yorkshire, Keighley, 503; Amity, 
 Steeton, 280; Duke of York, Bingley, 502; Philanthropic, Skipton, 540; Three 
 Graces, Haworth, 541 ; Amphibious, Heckmondwike, 489 ; Tranquillity, New- 
 church,- Lancashire, 515; White Hart, Huddersfield, 5475 Harmony, Haslingden, 
 Lancashire, 545; Prince Frederick, Heptonstall, 573; Harmony, Halifax, 517, and 
 Prince George, Bottoms, Stansfeld, 574. 
 
3+ THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1769. Bacchus, Halifax, No. 448. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns, August i8, 1769, 
 
 at the Bacchus (or Boy and Barrel) Inn, Halifax, 
 
 as No. 448. It acquired No. 383 in 1770, No. ^ 
 
 297 
 
 in 1 78 1, and was erased under the latter number 
 in 1783. At the time there could not possibly exist 
 the slightest necessity for this lodge in Halifax. 
 
 1772. Britannic, Whitby, No. 423. 
 
 Warranted February 3, 1772, by the Moderns 
 as Britannic Lodge, No. 423, at the Plough Inn, 
 Whitby. Number changed to ^- in 1781, and was 
 erased February 10, 1790. This lodge was often 
 and indifferently styled Britannia, and is an example 
 of the folly of splitting up a lodge and attempt- 
 ing to carry on two weak ones in a place scarcely 
 populous enough to maintain one strong lodge. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 55 
 
 1772. 1st Regiment York Militia, Sheffield, No. 176. 
 
 This was a military lodge, warranted by the 
 Atholl Masons, October 14, 1772, in the ist Regi- 
 ment of York Militia, at Sheffield, afterwards re- 
 moved to the Star and Garter, Nessgate, York, but 
 was extinct before the Union. Many of the Atholl 
 lodges in the list of 1813 had expired long before 
 then — some before the earlier list of 1807. This 
 lodge appears in the Irish Grand Lodge List of 
 1804 (Ancients) as No. 174. At the Worcester 
 Exhibition 'Several York newspapers were exhibited, 
 in one of which (Etherington's York Chronicle, 
 December 22, 1775) are three advertisements of 
 much interest, showing that this lodge (called 
 "Moriah"), Apollo Lodge, and the Grand Lodge 
 of All England, intended meeting about the same 
 date. Apollo being under the Moderns, three 
 Grand Lodges are here represented. 
 
36 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1773. Apollo, York, No. 450. 
 
 This famous lodge, rendered conspicuous as being 
 the cradle of the Provincial Grand Lodge of the 
 county of York when resuscitated by Sir Thomas 
 Tancred in 1 774 * — whose officers were members of 
 it, transacting the Provincial business, and even 
 affixing the Apollo seal to official documents — was 
 warranted by the Moderns, July 31, 1773, as Apollo 
 Lodge, York, No. 450. The minutes, which, by the 
 kind courtesy of the W.M., Bro. John Walton, I 
 have had the privilege of inspecting, are in the 
 possession of the Humber Lodge, Hull, No. 57, and 
 it is much to be regretted that the history of a 
 lodge of such importance has not been hitherto 
 written. In the hope that it will be, I need not 
 enlarge on the subject in these pages. The number 
 of the lodge was changed in 1781 to ~, in 1792 
 to 290, and in 1814 to 368. It expired soon after 
 
 * At this time it was the on/y lodge that could properly assume such duties. 
 The great difference in the composition of the Apollo and that of the only other 
 lodge in York (the All England Grand Lodge), was very marked. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 37 
 
 the Union, and the dormant warrant, with all the 
 records, jewels, &c., were purchased by the founders 
 of the Phoenix Lodge, Hull, in 18 17. The Phcenix, 
 No. 368, worked under this dorrnant warrant of 
 Apollo, which was handed over to the Joint Grand 
 Secretaries White and Harper in 1835. 
 
 1774. Black Bull, Settle, No. 188. 
 
 Constituted under the Atholl Masons at the Black 
 Bull, Settle, June 7, 1774, as No. 188. This lodge 
 was named in Ahiman Rezon of 18 13, but it had 
 then expired, and of course got no new number at 
 the Union. It seems to have been singularly like 
 one of the lime-kilns of the neighbourhood — allowed 
 to burn itself out. Brethren had to assemble from 
 all points of the compass within twenty miles round 
 before they could muster the requisite number to 
 open. This little lodge was for fifteen years the 
 Masonic centre for the Craven district. 
 
 One can well imagine three or four Masons awaiting the arrival of 
 as many more from Skipton and the surrounding neighbourhood, and 
 
38 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 snugly seated in the kitchen of the Black Bull in winter, when it would 
 sometimes be impossible to meet. They have been there since dark, which 
 say to-day was four p.m., and as the lodge meets at six, the landlord — 
 himself a Mason and a farmer — usually lays aside other duties on the 
 farm about that time, so as to be present Under the influence of the 
 cheerful glass, long pipes, and intelligent conversation, the time has 
 flown swiftly, — so swiftly, indeed, that the third groaning and striking 
 of the old clock in the corner has passed without being noticed. Hardly 
 have the seven o'clock vibrations ceased to be perceptible to the ear, than 
 the metallic click of the iron " sneck " of the front door is heard, — a 
 gust of wind, and then a burly form is thrust against the door inside, 
 which bangs to with a force there is no mistaking. One or two old- 
 fashioned prints hung up on rollers on the wall have been displaced 
 off their nails, and clatter on the stone floor, but most of the mural 
 decorations are heavy enough to withstand the draught. The rubicund- 
 looking gentleman smiling out of the canvas in the corner (a sacred 
 family relic, representing mine host's grandfather) seems to say, "Look 
 at me — you don't see me trembling and quivering at every breath of 
 wind." But our brethren rise astonished, as they view Bro. Boniface 
 covered with snow, too much exhausted to speak, though he laughs 
 immoderately. This reassures the rest, and the eldest, glancing at the 
 clock, inquires (consulting his own fob turnip, meanwhile) — 
 
 " What's kept you so late, Dick ? " 
 
 " Oh ! it's all right 1 I was coming across the low field at the back 
 of the house about six o'clock when I saw the W.M.'s 'light' coming 
 down the hill, so I thought I'd get in before him. The snow was 
 then a foot deep in the meadow, but I knew my way, and hurried a 
 short cut to get into the high road; I could distinctly hear the con- 
 veyance coming along, and knew it was the W.M. (because nobody 
 but a Mason would go nine miles in such weather), but just as it turned 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 39 
 
 the knoll, I thought the light gave a sudden jump up and down to 
 
 the left, and all at once the sound of the wheels stopped Here they 
 
 are ! " he shouts, as the front door flies open again. " Mary, I forgot 
 to tell you the gentlemen want you to hunt up all my clothes, old and 
 new; and as they ar'nt fit to be seen, tell Sarah to make herself 
 scarce ! " 
 
 At this moment four objects, supposed to be men, have reached 
 the kitchen, one ruefully contemplating a " beaver " smashed beyond hope 
 of cure, and the others evidently enjoying the interest they have 
 excited. Boniface left the kitchen on their entrance and comes in 
 presently, without coat, with a big jug of hot water, four glasses of 
 whiskey, and silver crushers. Placing these on one of the tables he 
 pushes the sugar basin towards them ; then reaching over the partition, 
 topped with a crimson curtain, dividing the "bar" from the kitchen, 
 he brings forth a lemon. 
 
 "Now, gentlemen, I hope you'll all be no worse; help yourselves, 
 and then just go into No. 2 there and get your togs off while I finish 
 my story." 
 
 The four travellers having retired, many a hearty laugh comes 
 from the precincts of No. 2 to interrupt the genial landlord, who, 
 taking a seat, resumes as follows : 
 
 " You see. Brethren, it isn't the first time I've helped a lame dog 
 over a stile, and thinking something was wrong I ran as hard as I 
 could up the road. Before I reached the place I knew what was up, 
 because I was only thinking this very morning what nasty hillocks 
 them road chaps had left, and sure enough the Master had driven over 
 one of 'em ! The horse was standing in the middle of the road, but 
 I could see neither trap nor driver. As I ran up I shouted, and was 
 answered by two voices, ' All right, look after Thomas and James, Jim's 
 under the trap.' Presently the W.M. (Thomas) called out, 'Is any- 
 
40 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 body hurt ? ' and I found him fast by the apron. I cut the corner off, 
 and then the three of us turned the trap round and released him, not 
 a bit hurt, thank God. As for Jim, he's a little 'un, and we were all 
 in great trouble about him; we shouted, all to no purpose, till at last 
 he turned up in the dyke under the hedge. Poor Jim had been 
 trying to make up his mind whether he were killed or not. Ha ! ha ! 
 ha! He could hear us, but his hat being jammed over his face he 
 was nearly smothered when we found him. It appears the Wardens 
 had been to the Master's house for a bit of practice before the lodge, 
 and they called on tha road for the I.G. (Jim). We've managed to 
 get t' trap into t' shed and stabled Billy, and it isn't such a bad 
 affair as it might-a-been, for which I'm very thankful We'll be able 
 to pick up the cushions at daylight. So this is what's made me 
 so late." 
 
 The reader can imagine the comic re-appearance of 
 the brethren from No. 2 in their borrowed garments, 
 the hilarity of the scene, and the thankful hearts 
 with which these worthy brethren held their lodge. 
 I hope he will pardon me for making so long an 
 illustration of country Masonry, out of events that 
 really occurred within the same romantic district, 
 and which the memory of a genial old Masonic 
 friend recalls in considering the Black Bull Lodge 
 at Settle before the introduction of railways. It may 
 perhaps serve also to relieve the monotony of the 
 
GRAMD LOBX&E AKD CHAPTER SEALS 
 
 1 GRAND LODGE SEM, fSUi'erJ 
 
 2. GRAND CHAPTER ZEk\.. IBrassI 
 1780. 
 
 3 GRAND LODGE SEAL, I Brass) 
 
 4 GRAND LODGE COUNTER 'S.tkL.ICopfer) 
 1776 
 
 Tboiii«.3 C Jack, London & Edinburgh 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 41 
 
 particulars given of other lodges. The Half Moon, 
 Otley ; Amity, Steeton ; and the Ship at Harewood 
 Bridge would be similarly situated, some of the 
 members trudging long distances on foot. 
 
 The members of such lodges freely visited and 
 intermixed as Masons of one great family. Candi- 
 dates were rare, and joining brethren simply pro- 
 duced their certificates and fell in with the established 
 customs of the lodge. The returns having been sent 
 formerly to the Ancients, although the majority might 
 have been registered under the Moderns, the same 
 practice was continued. No question ever arose as 
 between Ancients and Moderns — if Masons, all were 
 alike to them, and they believed other Masonic lodges 
 were, or at any rate ought to be, similarly actuated 
 towards brethren under all Grand Lodges. 
 
 1774. Benevolent, Middleham, No. 473. 
 
 Warranted under the Moderns, November i, 1774, 
 
 as Benevolent Lodge, No. 473, at the Wild Man 
 
 Inn, Middleham, in the West Riding of Yorkshire. 
 
 F 
 
43 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 Its number was changed in 1781 to ^-g^. I cannot 
 trace this lodge (which is scarcely known, for I have 
 never seen it referred to) after 1777. Like many 
 others at the time, its returns were very irregular, 
 especially to the Grand Lodge, and its existence was 
 certainly a somewhat chequered one. It dissolved, 
 leaving no trace, about 1781, although it got a new 
 number at the alteration in that year. 
 
 1776. Royal Oak, Ripon, No. 495. 
 
 This lodge, the members of which appear to have 
 made a mistake in applying for their warrant to the 
 Grand Lodge of All England at York in the first 
 instance in 1769, was otherwise not an important 
 one. The permission of that Grand Lodge was 
 actually obtained, July i, 1769, but the Royal Oak 
 Lodge was ultimately warranted under the Moderns 
 at the Royal Oak Inn, Ripon, January 22, 1776, as 
 No. 495. This number was changed to — ° in 1781, 
 in 1792 to No. 324, and at the union to No. 412. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 43 
 
 Erased by Grand Lodge, March 5, 1828. That the 
 Royal Oak Lodge professed to work under the All 
 England Constitution for several years after 1769 
 is tolerably certain, although I am not aware that 
 positive evidence exists one way or the other. The 
 slovenly organisation of the Grand Lodge at York 
 naturally reflected at such a period on its private 
 lodges, from which, indeed, it differed but slightly. 
 They had no system in anything but the social 
 part of their proceedings, and hence all minutes are 
 very disappointing, because when carelessly made 
 their authentic character is often destroyed by other 
 apparently contradictory entries. 
 
 1777. Cock, Barnsley, No. 199; now Peace, Meltham, 
 No. 149. 
 
 Warranted under the Atholl Masons, April i, 
 
 1777, as the Cock, Barnsley, No. 199, and held 
 
 at the hostelry of that name there. If the minutes 
 
 of this lodge have been carefully preserved they 
 
 will be found most valuable. It was removed, 
 
44 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 March 28, 1804, under the same number (as the 
 Ancients never closed up, as customary with the 
 Moderns), to the Traveller's Arms, Dewsbury. At 
 the union it had been removed to Meltham under 
 No. 247, then acquired, and a memorial having 
 been forwarded to the Grand Lodge of England, 
 dated May 30, 1821, stating that the warrant was 
 destroyed or lost, it obtained a warrant of confir- 
 mation (Dundas, D.G.M.), dated June i, 1821. At 
 the closing-up in 1832 the number of the lodge 
 became 174, and it met at the Golden Fleece, Mel- 
 tham. In 1863 the number was again changed to 
 149, and its meetings are now held at the Masonic 
 Hall, Wessenden Road, Meltham. There should 
 be some curious records in this lodge, both as 
 to Ancients and Moderns, well worthy of careful 
 examination. What we want to know in cases like 
 this is, whether the lodge possesses them or not. It 
 by no means follows that because the original war- 
 rant was reported lost or destroyed at one time, it is 
 not still in existence. I have lately traced a warrant 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 45 
 
 missing for fifty years. Many Yorkshire early war- 
 rants were seized by landlords in revenge for a lodge 
 removal, but very rarely for rent or debt. These, 
 though not valued, are never wilfully destroyed. 
 
 1777. Union Lodge, York, No. 504; now York Lodge, 
 No. 236. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns at Lockwood's Coffee- 
 House, Micklegate, York, April 26, 1777, as Union, 
 No. 504. At the next closing-up in 1781 it 
 
 became — . Afterwards at Golden Lion, York ; 
 
 410 ' ' 
 
 and acquired 331 in 1792, 423 at the union, 287 
 in 1832, and its present number, 236, in 1863. 
 The lodge petitioned for the name " Union " to be 
 changed to " York," which the Grand Lodge granted 
 in 1870. This lodge, now meeting at the Masonic 
 Hall, Buncombe Place, York, holds some very valu- 
 able records (nearly the only ones generally known 
 to exist) of the Grand Lodge of All England (York), 
 and I am only sorry that it does not possess more. 
 It is something to feel confidence that what are 
 
46 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 here intrusted will be properly cared for. The 
 York Lodge is to be congratulated on undertaking 
 such a duty ; and the whole craft is indebted to it 
 for making so affectionate a foster-mother. For- 
 merly the Union Lodge had many changes of place 
 until settled at its new hall in 1863. 
 
 1780. St. George's, Doncaster, No. 432 ; now No. 242. 
 
 The interesting history of this lodge was com- 
 piled by Bro. W. Delanoy for the centenary cele- 
 bration during his mastership. It was warranted by 
 the Moderns in 1780 as No. 432; changed in 1782 
 to No. 433. In 1792 it acquired No. 348, at the 
 union No. 447, in 1832 No. 298, and No. 242 in 
 1863. The founders of this lodge made application 
 (in mistake) to York instead of London for their 
 warrant. It practised for some time a singular 
 custom of installing the Worshipful Master on St. 
 George's Day. A similar departure may exist in 
 other lodges, but I have never met with it before. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 47 
 
 1781. Alfred, Wetherby, No. 434. 
 
 Warranted in 1781 as the Alfred Lodge, Wetherby, 
 No. 434, by the Moderns. It got a new number 
 (349) in 1792, not being then erased; but had 
 collapsed just before. This lodge existed as the 
 Wetherby Lodge (though really the Scarborough 
 All England Lodge, which had got so low as to be 
 unable to work there) prior to its constitution as 
 above, under the Grand Lodge of All England, and 
 there is little doubt that the No. 4 York MS. (1693) 
 was not only in its custody, but was taken to York 
 by Bro. George Walker in 1777, in anticipation of 
 the formation of the Alfred Lodge. The great 
 wonder is that the document did not go into the 
 fire; as a Mason's dread of anything being seen 
 by the profane was carried to a ridiculous extreme 
 at this period, especially amongst the Ancients or 
 Atholl Masons, who regarded the Moderns, if 
 Masons, as an inferior body, little better than the 
 profane. The rivalry then existing proved seriously 
 
48 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 destructive to Masonic documentary evidence in 
 Yorkshire ; many of the Atholl records known to 
 exist before the union being burnt with a merci- 
 less ignorance and jealousy little in consonance 
 with the profession of Masonry. Brother Geo. 
 Walker was an enthusiastic Mason, willing to fill 
 two or three offices in the lodge if necessary, and 
 he had decidedly strong prejudices in favour of the 
 York Grand Lodge. It is much to be regretted 
 that a few more such earnest Masons as he un- 
 doubtedly was had not been in office, so as to 
 rouse the All England Grand Lodge (even in its 
 decline) to a sense of its dignity and duties towards 
 the close of last century. Under the Moderns, the 
 Alfred had to contend against many difficulties. 
 Situated in an agricultural district sparsely popu- 
 lated, the removal of its members to the adjacent 
 large manufacturing centres gradually undermined 
 its strength, and it expired from sheer want of 
 sustenance. It was never erased, but simply died 
 out. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 49 
 
 1781. Rodney, Hull, No. 436. 
 
 Warranted under the Moderns in 1781 as Rodney 
 Lodge, No. 436, Hull, and received a new number 
 (351) in 1792. At the Union it acquired No. 451, 
 and its last minutes are dated December 8, 1820. 
 The Humber Lodge, Hull, No. 57, is the custodian 
 of its transactions, &c., which are referred to by 
 Bro. P. M. Smith in his admirable account of the 
 Humber Warrant in 1855. On the isth July 18 19 
 the W.M. of the Phoenix Lodge at Hull (Bro. 
 Levett) wrote to Bro. Harper, Grand Secretary, that 
 the Rodney was then considered extinct, but it 
 met December 8, 1820, as above stated, to settle its 
 affairs. After the dissolution, the Rodney brethren 
 joined the Humber Lodge. 
 
 1782. St. George's, East York Militia, York, No. 442. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns in 1782 in the East 
 York Regiment of Militia as St. George's Lodge, 
 No. 442, at York. In 1792 the number became 356, 
 
 G 
 
50 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 and at the union No. 460. Erased by Grand Lodge, 
 June 3, 1829. This was one of the most active of 
 the military lodges of Yorkshire, of which a most 
 interesting relic was exhibited at the Worcester 
 Masonic Exhibition last year. (See Worcester Cata- 
 logue, No. 731.) No doubt a Northern Masonic 
 Exhibition on a big scale would bring out many 
 such treasures. I feel certain that the history of 
 the All England Grand Lodge can never be written 
 until after we have founded either a National or a 
 Yorkshire Museum for Masonic Antiquities. 
 
 1783. Minerva Lodge, No. 451; now No. 250. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns in 1783 as Minerva 
 Lodge, Hull, No. 451. In 1792 the number became 
 363, and at the Union No. 467. At the closing-up 
 in 1832 it acquired No. 311, and in 1863 its pre- 
 sent number, 250. As a purely Yorkshire lodge it 
 can boast of having passed its centenary, and this 
 without change of name or town, which sufficiently 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 51 
 
 indicates its stability during that long and trying 
 period. The history of the Minerva would be quite 
 an eventful record of Freemasonry in Hull. 
 
 1786. Amphibious, Stonehouse, Devon, No. 498 ; now 
 Amphibious, Hecl^mondwike, No. 258. 
 
 As a Yorkshire lodge the Amphibious dates from 
 May 2, 1803, when it was removed from Stonehouse 
 to the Shears Inn, High Town. It was originally 
 warranted, August 22, 1786 (Moderns), at the Marine 
 Barracks, Stonehouse, near Plymouth, as No. 498. 
 It acquired No. 407 in 1792, and at the Union No. 
 489. Its meetings were held also at the Bull's 
 Head, Little Gomersal, and the Globe Inn, Mill 
 Bridge (all within the same neighbourhood), and 
 whilst at the latter place in 1832 its number became 
 322, and ultimately No. 258 in 1863. Removed to 
 its present place of meeting at the Freemasons' 
 Hall, Heckmondwike, on March 27, 1850. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1787. Newtonian, Knaresborough, No. 499. 
 
 This lodge, warranted in 1787 by the Moderns at 
 the Elephant and Castle as No. 499, acquired No. 
 408 in 1792, No. 490 in 18 14, and No. 323 in 1832. 
 It was erased December 3, 1851, but had long before 
 ceased to work. The " All England " records men- 
 tion a lodge under its jurisdiction, warranted October 
 30, 1769, and held at the Crown Inn, Knaresborough, 
 but respecting its lodge life very little at present is 
 known to exist. It would, however, be of the same 
 character as others at the time, and I think the mem- 
 bers went over to the Moderns as a more stable and 
 perceptible government, as well as a more powerful 
 body, in 1787. When such changes occurred, the 
 rival organisation forthwith made an end of the 
 former records (if any had been preserved) as useless 
 lumber 1 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 53 
 
 1788. Honor and Perseverance, Cockermouth, No. 527; 
 now Nelson of the Nile, No. 264. 
 
 As a county lodge, the Nelson of the Nile (No. 
 436) dates from 1801, when it was removed to the 
 Black Bull Inn, Batley. It was originally warranted 
 by the Moderns, July 5, 1788, as Honor and Per- 
 severance, No. 527, at the Ship Inn, Cockermouth, 
 becoming No. 436 in 1792. The Nelson of the Nile 
 Lodge was opened, June 1801, under dispensation 
 from Sir Peter Parker, D.G.M., who confirmed it 
 under date February 21, 1804. This lodge moved 
 frequently after the Union, when it became No. 
 500; in May 1816, to Black Bull Inn, Mirfield ; in 
 October 1819, to Freemasons' Arms, Hopton ; and 
 was at the Three Nuns, Mirfield, in 1822. In 1832 
 its number was changed to 330, and in 1863 to 264. 
 After meeting at Bull and Butcher Inn, Batley, 
 from 1832 ; afterwards at the Bridge Inn, Carling- 
 how ; and Wilton Arms, Batley ; the lodge finally 
 settled down at the Freemasons' Hall, Park Road, 
 Batley, where its meetings are now regularly held. 
 
54 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1788. Duke of York, Doncaster, No. 529. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns August 23, 1788, as 
 Duke of York's Lodge, No. 529, at the Black Boy, 
 Doncaster. One or two noted Masons were mem- 
 bers of this lodge, an offshoot of St. George's 
 Lodge, and in 1792 it acquired No. 438. On 
 December 3, 1792, it removed to White Bear Inn, 
 Doncaster, and again removed, after ineffectual 
 efforts to heal differences among the members, 
 April 21, 1807, to Elm Tree Inn, Bingley. In 
 18 14 it acquired No. 502, and was erased on March 
 5, 1828, after it had been actually resuscitated at 
 Baildon as Airedale Lodge. The Duke of York's 
 Lodge was practically removed to Baildon in 1826, 
 and its furniture, &c., was then the property of a 
 few surviving members interested in its resuscita- 
 tion at that place ; and the Airedale ought to have 
 revived the warrant instead of forming an entirely 
 new lodge with Duke of York Masons. For more 
 particulars of this lodge see History of No. 387, 
 1880 edition. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 55 
 
 1788. Royal Yorkshire Lodge, Keighley, No. 530 ; now 
 No. 265. 
 
 Warranted in 1788 as Royal Yorkshire, Keighley, 
 
 No. 530, under the Moderns. Number changed in 
 
 1792 to 439, in 1814 to 503, in 1832 to 332, and in 
 
 1863 to 265. This lodge has always been vigorous, 
 
 and some of the best workers of our ritual and 
 
 ceremonies have from time to time belonged to it. 
 
 The effect of this has been that in the present day 
 
 the members cultivate and take great pride in their 
 
 working. The most accomplished worker of his 
 
 time throughout West Yorkshire (P.M. Thomas 
 
 Brown) was a member of this lodge, and he also 
 
 joined Airedale Lodge, No. 543, in 1857. He was 
 
 initiated in the Royal Yorkshire Lodge, December 
 
 27, 1814. 
 
 1788. Globe, Scarborough, No. 531. 
 
 Warranted under the Moderns in 1788 as Globe 
 Lodge, Scarborough, No. 531. Changed its number 
 in 1792 to 440, and in 1814 to 504; but many of 
 
56 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 its members went over to the Ancients to form the 
 Old Globe Lodge, No. 267, in 1791. This lodge 
 has been somewhat mixed up with the " Old Globe," 
 being in fact the older lodge. It was practically 
 extinguished by the formation of the Old Globe 
 Lodge in 1791. Another lodge existed at Scar- 
 borough prior to this, and subsequent to the Three 
 Tuns, under the Grand Lodge of All England, 
 warranted in 1762. Bro. George Walker was the 
 moving spirit and most active member of it, and 
 when he left Scarborough to reside at Wetherby it 
 was on the verge of dissolution. 
 
 1789. Albion, Skipton, No. 551. 
 
 Warranted in 1789 by the Moderns as Albion 
 Lodge, Skipton, No. 551. At the alteration in 1792 
 it became No. 460. This lodge existed in 1798, 
 but it never had much stability, and expired soon 
 after that date. This is the lodge whose petition 
 
AT A 
 
 QUARTERLY COMMUNICATION 
 
 OF THE MOST ANTIENT AND HONORABLE 
 
 Society of Free and Accepted Mafons, 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PROVINCIAL GRAND LODGE 
 
 For the COUNTY of YORK, 
 UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE 
 
 GRAND LODGE of ENGLAND, 
 
 Held, at the Merchants'-Hall, in the City of York, on Wednefday, Auguf 26, 1789, 
 
 RICHARD SLATER MILNES, Esq; M.P. 
 PROVINCIAL GRAND MASTER. 
 
 PRESENT. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Thackray, D. P. G. M. 
 Mr. Edward Benfon, S. G. W. 
 Mr. William Staveley, J. G. W. 
 Rev. J. Thompfon, A. M. A. G. C. 
 Mr. John Watfon, G. T. 
 Mr. Chriftopher Wilfon, G. S. 
 Mr. Richard Garland, P. G. P. G. M. 
 Mr. James Lamb, P. G. T. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Hardifty, G. A. 
 
 Mr. Robert Parkinfon, P. G. T. 
 
 Capt. O'Conner 
 
 Mr. J. Marfhall, Stewards Lodge 
 
 Mr. Denis Peacock 
 
 Mr. James Rule, P. G. S. 
 
 Mr. J. Grave, G. S. 
 
 GRAND STEWARDS. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Webfter 
 Mr. L. Lund 
 Mr. R. Rowland 
 
 Mr. Edward Bowling 
 Mr. William Grave 
 Mr. J. Raine 
 
 The M afters and Wardens of fundry Lodges. 
 
 When the following Contributions were received, viz. 
 
 liarity Fund. 
 
 Hall Fund. 
 
 P. L. Fund. 
 
 2 2 
 
 
 
 I 10 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 15 
 
 
 
 000 
 
 2 2 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 000 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 10 
 
 6 
 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 2 2 
 
 
 
 6 5 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 I I 
 
 
 
 I 2 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 1 I 
 
 
 
 5 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 2 17 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 5 
 
 
 
 000 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 17 
 
 6 
 
 10 
 
 Apollo Lodge, Merchants'-Hall, York — — 
 
 Union Crofs Lodge, Halifax — 
 
 Tontine Lodge, Sheffield — — 
 
 Lodge of Unanimity, Wakefield — 
 
 Union Lodge, York — — — 
 
 Alfred Lodge, Wetherby — 
 
 Rodney Lodge, Hull — — — 
 
 Minerva Lodge, Hull — — 
 
 St. George's Lodge, Beverley — — 
 
 Newtonian Lodge, Knarefbro' — 
 
 Duke of York's Lodge, Doncafter — — 
 
 Royal Yorkfhire Lodge, Keighley 
 
 • The MINUTES of the laft LODGE were read and confirmed. 
 
 A PETITION was received from feveral Brethren refiding at or near Skipton in this County, praying for a 
 Warrant of Conftitution to be granted them to open and hold a Lodge in the faid To wn, and bei ng recommended 
 by many known Brethren — a Warrant was granted accordingly. 
 
 Some Lodges in this Province not having communicated with this Provincial Grand Lodge, conformable to 
 the different Bye Laws for that purpose made, 
 
 Brother Staveley moved. That fuch Lodges be reprimanded, which was feconded by Brother Lamb, 
 and paflfed 9tem. con. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 57 
 
 was received, and a warrant granted, as recorded in 
 the minutes of the Provincial Grand Lodge of York- 
 shire, held at York, August 26, 1789. 
 
 1789. Harmony, Halifax, No. 552 ; now Harmony, Hud- 
 dersfield. No. 275. 
 
 Also warranted in 1789 by the Moderns at Hali- 
 fax, as Harmony, No. 552, changed in 1792 to No. 
 461. Its number became 517 at the Union, and 
 342 in 1832. Removed to Huddersfield, March 
 20, 1837, and to the Masonic Hall, South Parade, 
 Huddersfield, at the end of the same year. The 
 warrant was renewed (Augustus F., G.M.) under 
 date January 18, 1839, and in 1863 it acquired its 
 present number, 275. The first meeting of this 
 lodge was held November 12, 1789, as Harmony, 
 No. 552, at Halifax, but the minutes of this meeting 
 do not give the house at which the members met. 
 From what I know of its early history, I think the 
 original warrant of this lodge will yet be recovered. 
 
58 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1790. Friendly, London, No. 557 ; afterwards Friendly, 
 Barnsley, No. 521. 
 
 As a Yorkshire lodge, the Friendly, Barnsley, 
 dates from i8i6, when it was removed from London. 
 It was originally warranted in 1790 as Friendly 
 Lodge, No. 557, under the Moderns, at the Nag's 
 Head, Leather Lane, Holborn ; removed to New- 
 gate Street, where it was working in 1804 as No. 
 466; and, twelve years after, it had acquired No. 
 521 at the Union, and was then (18 16) at Globe 
 Tavern, Fleet Street, London. At the end of June 
 in that year the lodge was removed to Barnsley. 
 The W.M., Treasurer, and seven others in 1823 
 exhibited strong Atholl proclivities, quite over- 
 looking the fact that the Atholl Grand Lodge had 
 by the Act of Union in 1813 ceased to exist. Their 
 real feeling, however, was one of dissatisfaction with 
 the United Grand Lodge, and in reverting to their 
 original warrant and number (557) under an impres- 
 sion that the lodge was formerly under the "old 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 59 
 
 institutions," it is clear they were misinformed both 
 on. that point and the more serious undertaking 
 they were led into. The Treasurer was actually 
 installed Grand Master over these lodges, " according 
 to the old institutions," at Liverpool, December 22, 
 1823, several other lodges having had the hardihood 
 to join them in forming a Grand Lodge of their 
 own. This foolish escapade caused much trouble 
 in the Friendly Lodge, and of course both sides 
 represent their own case as right and the other 
 unequivocally wrong. However, the loyal brethren 
 petitioned the Provincial Grand Master (Lord Pol- 
 lington), who confirmed their Masonic privileges by 
 letter dated January 19, 1824. A warrant of con- 
 firmation was also obtained, dated March 11, 1824, 
 but the unpleasant proceedings had unsettled the 
 lodge, which collapsed at the end of 1827. The 
 events above referred to arose out of the erasure 
 of Lodge No. 31, Liverpool; but it was just as 
 much a real secession as that of the Lodge of 
 Antiquity in 1752, and as regards numbers far 
 
6o THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 more serious. Seven lodges at least were im- 
 plicated, but the complaint that the Grand Lodge 
 would not listen to remonstrance from its own dis- 
 satisfied country " subjects" was not a rational excuse, 
 and the dignity of a strong Grand Lodge was the 
 very best correction. All these lodges soon tired of 
 governing their own Grand Lodge, and dispensed 
 with it altogether after the second year. There is 
 no doubt either that Bro. Woodcock, the first G.M., 
 had performed good work in his lodge, or that he 
 acted from conscientious motives. The minutes of 
 the Friendly Lodge prove both beyond question. 
 Apart from this misguided affair, he was an active, 
 intelligent, and earnest Mason. 
 
 1791. Loyal and Prudent, Leeds, No. 584. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns as Loyal and Prudent 
 Lodge, Star and Garter, Leeds, No. 584, changed 
 in the closing-up of the following year to No. 493, 
 and in 18 14 acquired No. 532. This lodge and 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 61 
 
 Fidelity, founded in 1792, were formed by members 
 of Parrot and Golden Lion, Leeds, and Alfred, 
 Wetherby. The last-named lodge was then working 
 under difficulties, and it utterly collapsed at the 
 formation of the Loyal and Prudent at Leeds. Of 
 the five lodges named, the Fidelity, Leeds, No. 289, 
 is the only one now existing. The Loyal and 
 Prudent expired in 1829. 
 
 1791. Old Globe, Scarborough, No. 267 ; now No. 200. 
 
 Constituted under the Ancients by warrant dated 
 March 5, 1791, as Old Globe Lodge, Scarborough, 
 No. 267. At the Union its number was changed 
 to 337, in 1832 to 236, and to 200 in 1863. For 
 several reasons the history of the Old Globe 
 should be compiled. One can conjecture why it 
 was founded, but bona fide evidence of "Ancient" 
 lodges is now very meagre, and all we can get is 
 interesting and valuable. 
 
63 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1792. North Nottinghamshire, Retford, No. 587; after- 
 wards Phoenix, Rotherham, No. 496. 
 
 This lodge dates as a Yorkshire lodge from i8io, 
 when it was removed from East Retford as North 
 Nottinghamshire Lodge, No. 587, held under the 
 Moderns at the Town Hall there, and warranted 
 March 21, 1792. At the closing-up of the same 
 year it became No. 496. After removal to Rother- 
 ham it acquired No. 533 at the Union, and although 
 at the next alteration of numbers in 1832 a new 
 number was allotted to it (No. 354), the lodge was 
 really extinct before then. 
 
 1792. Samaritan, Keighley, No. 504 ; now Samaritan, 
 Bacup, No. 286. 
 
 Warranted in 1792 as Samaritan, Keighley, No. 
 504 (Moderns), at the Devonshire Arms, Keighley, 
 At the Union it acquired No. 539, and was removed 
 to Accrington 1829-30, In 1832, when its number 
 was changed to 358, it had been again removed to 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 63 
 
 Bacup, Lancashire, and in 1863 it acquired its 
 present number, 286. Now in the province of East 
 Lancashire. 
 
 1792. Philanthropic, Skipton, No. 505. 
 
 Warranted under the Moderns in 1792 as Philan- 
 thropic Lodge, Skipton, No. 505, changed at the 
 Union to No. 540, and to No. 359 in 1832. This 
 lodge was erased December 3, 1851. Originally 
 formed by a "split" of the Albion brethren, which 
 ruined both, as usual. 
 
 1792. Faith, Hope, and Charity, Barnoldswick, No. 506 ; 
 afterwards Three Graces, Haworth. 
 
 Warranted under the Moderns as Faith, Hope, 
 and Charity, Barnoldswick, in 1792, as No. 506. 
 Removed to Black Bull Inn, Haworth, July 7, 1806, 
 and from thence to King's Arms, Haworth, February 
 12, 1821, having meanwhile at the Union become 
 No. 541. The application for a new warrant was 
 
64 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 decided upon June 27, 1831, by which a new lodge 
 was constituted. This was obtained (Augustus 
 F., G. M., Dundas, D. G. M.) as Three Graces, 
 Haworth, No. 862, and dated August 24, 1831. 
 See No. 862, List I. The history of this lodge 
 up to 1 83 1 is not valuable, being always unsettled. 
 This accounts for the formation of a new lodge. 
 After 1831 the minutes are more interesting; and 
 fearing that the old members are passing away, I 
 am much interested in seeing the history of " Three 
 Graces" compiled before it is too late. It is one 
 of those peculiar lodges whose Masonic life and 
 history cannot be written satisfactorily from the 
 minutes alone. 
 
 1792. Fidelity, Leeds, No. 512; now No. 289. 
 
 Warranted as Fidelity Lodge, Leeds, No. 512, 
 in 1792 (Moderns). At the Union acquired No. 546, 
 in 1832 No. 364, and in 1863 No. 289. Its Masonic 
 life has been most vigorous and useful. Few lodges, 
 indeed, can boast of a more earnest and unceasing 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 65 
 
 interest in Yorkshire Masonry than the " Fidelity." 
 Now meets at the Masonic Hall, Carlton Hill, Leeds, 
 and is the oldest existing Leeds lodge. 
 
 1793. White Hart, Huddersfield, No. 513 ; now Hudders- 
 field Lodge, Huddersfield, No. 290. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns January i, 1793, as 
 
 White Hart, No. 513, at the White Hart Inn, 
 
 Huddersfield. Number changed in 1814 to 547, 
 
 in 1832 to 365, and in 1863 to 290. This lodge 
 
 obtained a new warrant (Dundas, D.G.M.), dated 
 
 April 22, 1822, as Huddersfield Lodge, and its 
 
 meetings are now held at the Masonic Hall, South 
 
 Parade, Huddersfield. It has been an active and 
 
 useful lodge in a decidedly Masonic town. 
 
 1793. Constitutional, Beverley, No. 525. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns in 1793 as Constitu- 
 tional Lodge, Beverley, No. 525. Became No. 554 
 at the Union, No. 371 in 1832, and obtained its 
 present number, 294, in 1863. I was much pleased 
 
 to obtain an impression of the fine old seal of the 
 
 I 
 
66 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 Constitutional Chapter attached to this lodge, as it 
 furnishes additional corroborative evidence that in 
 Yorkshire some of the Chapters adopted the craft 
 motto of the ancients, " Holiness to the Lord." I 
 have once or twice found eminent brethren disposed 
 to doubt this, but a certificate I exhibited at Wor- 
 cester (No. 419) — and now in the Moravia Chapter, 
 387, Shipley — proves it, the certificate being sent 
 chiefly on that account. There is a mine of historic 
 wealth to be explored in the Royal Arch Chapters 
 of Yorkshire and Lancashire such as does not exist 
 elsewhere. They would be found worthy of a special 
 work if taken together. 
 
 1793. Royal Brunswick, Sheffield, No. 527 ; now No. 296. 
 
 Warranted as Royal Brunswick, No. 527 (Moderns), 
 July 8, 1793, at the Royal Oak, Sheffield, and at the 
 Union became No. 556. Removed to Music Hall, 
 Sheffield, and in 1832 acquired No. 373; in 1863 
 No. 296. Now meets at the Freemasons' Hall, 
 Surrey Street, Sheffield. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 6y 
 
 1794. Hope, Bradford, No. 539; now No. 302. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns, March 23, 1794, as 
 Lodge of Hope, No. 539, at the Talbot Inn, Brad- 
 ford. Number changed in 18 14 to 565, in 1832 to 
 379, and in 1863 to 302. The dispensation under 
 which this lodge works is to all intents and pur- 
 poses a warrant, and such as other lodges received 
 at the time, ostensibly until the Grand Lodge 
 warrant was prepared. It was granted by authority 
 of Richard Slater Milnes, Prov. G.M. for York- 
 shire, and bears the seal of the Apollo Lodge, 
 though the latter is now almost indistinct owing 
 to the action of heat and the pressure of the glass 
 with which the document is protected. Of course 
 the Lodge of Hope could have obtained a Grand 
 Lodge warrant at the time, and possibly did ; but 
 if not it was not looked after, or, very likely the 
 members considered the dispensation of the Prov. 
 G, Master quite sufficient. The first W.M. was 
 Mr. Jeremiah Ambler; and after the Talbot the 
 lodge met also at the Bowling Green ; Nag's Head ; 
 
68 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 -rooms in Darley Street and Duke Street; at 
 Masonic Rooms, Market Place ; until it finally- 
 settled down at the Masonic Hall, top of Darley 
 Street, Bradford. Many of the most prominent 
 citizens have from time to time been initiated in 
 the Hope, which is the oldest Masonic lodge in 
 Bradford. What is known as the Hope MS. is 
 carefully preserved amongst its archives. The seal 
 of this lodge bears a remarkable resemblance to 
 the Philanthropic (No. 542), Leeds, of the same 
 year; and I think both lodges had similar seals 
 of anterior number to those given, but they appear 
 to have been lost. 
 
 The proper compilation of a lodge history during 
 one hundred years is not a very light matter, and 
 as Hope and Philanthropic both reach their cen- 
 tenary in 1894, they would find it an advantage 
 to set about the work at once. By this means 
 both personal and written evidence can be secured, 
 which in nine years will probably be unavailable. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 69 
 
 1794. Philanthropic, Leeds, No. 542; now No. 304. 
 
 Warranted August 21, 1794, as Philanthropic 
 Lodge, No. 542, Leeds, under the Moderns. The 
 number was changed at the Union to 568, at the 
 closing-up in 1832 to 382, and in 1863 to No. 304. 
 Now meets at the Masonic Hall, Great George 
 Street, Leeds. Many eminent members of the 
 craft have been initiated in the Philanthropic, 
 which has always been a sterling Yorkshire Masonic' 
 lodge. As such its present prosperity is to be 
 attributed. The very bold character of the seal of 
 this lodge (for which I am indebted to Bro. C. L. 
 Mason, P.M.) is very similar to that of Hope 
 Lodge, No. 539. The same seal, bearing No. 
 304, is now used. 
 
 1795. Alfred, Leeds, No. 546; now No. 306. 
 
 Warranted by the Moderns April 27, 1795, as 
 Alfred Lodge, No. 546, Leeds (Richard Slater 
 Milnes, Prov. G.M.) This lodge acquired No. 571 
 
70 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 at the Union, No. 384 at the closing -up in 1832, 
 and No. 306 in 1863. Another distinguished, well- 
 conducted, and prosperous Leeds lodge. 
 
 1796. Loyal Halifax, Halifax, No. 549; now Prince 
 Frederick, Hebden Bridge, No. 307. 
 
 Warranted January 28, 1796 (Moderns), as Loyal 
 Halifax, Halifax, No. 549 ; afterwards the name 
 was changed to Prince Frederick, and the lodge 
 removed to the Stag Inn, Heptonstall. Acquired 
 No. 573 at the Union, and in 1832 No. 385, when 
 it was held at the White Horse Inn, Hebden 
 Bridge. The number became 307 in 1863, and its 
 meetings are still held at the same place. The 
 Prince Frederick was one of the lodges forming 
 the Lodge of Promulgation in 18 15, and its history 
 is a curious one. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 71 
 
 1796. Prince George, Haworth, No. 550; now Prince 
 George, Eastwood, No. 308. 
 
 Warranted under the Moderns February 18, 1796, 
 as Prince George Lodge, No. 550, at the White 
 Lion, Haworth. At the Union it became No. 574, 
 and its meetings were then held at Bottoms, East- 
 wood. Received a new warrant (Dundas, D.G.M.) 
 dated December 2, 1818. In 1832 acquired No. 
 386, in 1863 No. 308, and the lodge is now held at 
 Station Hotel, Bottoms, Eastwood. Owing to an 
 erroneous statement to the effect that this lodge 
 held "York" warrants for the Royal. Arch, Knight 
 Templar, and other degrees, a sensation was caused 
 some sixteen years ago amongst Masonic archaeo- 
 logists, and for a time considerable interest centred 
 in the Prince George. It unfortunately turned out, 
 however, that no such separate warrants existed, 
 and probably the statement had originated unin- 
 tentionally through the ignorance of one member, 
 who no doubt would be as much surprised as any- 
 
7* THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 body at the effect produced. Formerly this lodge 
 had some very active members, and it was one of 
 a few round about that were very proud of their 
 -working, which I should quite expect to find has 
 been zealously kept up. It was also one of the 
 thirteen forming the Lodge of Promulgation after 
 the Union. 
 
 1796. Ebenezer, Pateley Bridge, No. 556. 
 
 Warranted in 1796 as Ebenezer Lodge, No. 556 
 (Moderns), at the Crown Inn, Pateley Bridge. At 
 the Union it became No. 580, but was then 
 extinct. I can only trace this lodge up to 1810, 
 when it was working under difficulties. Few of 
 these "village" lodges exist long; generally only 
 the time of the founders. As these die the lodge 
 sinks. They have trifling expenses, no candidates, 
 and no aspirations. 
 
S1EAI.S OF YOKKSHIME ILOBGES 
 
 LENOX LODGE Whium Z31 
 1 
 
 AM ITY LO DGE 
 
 LONDON 
 
 afterwards S T E E T O N 
 
 DUKE OF YORK LODGE 
 
 SINGLE Y 
 
 7 
 
 
 PROBITY LODGE 
 HA LIFAX 
 
 APOLLO LODGE 
 
 YORK 
 
 5 
 
 GLOBE LODGE 
 
 SCARBOROUGH 
 
 & 
 
 HUMBER LODGE 
 HULL 
 
 LENOX LOD GE N9 123 
 2 
 
 PARROT LEEDS 
 5 
 
 HARMONY LODGE 
 
 HALI FAX 
 
 8 
 
 UNION LODGE 
 YORK 
 11 
 
 Thomeus C Jack. London & Edinburgh 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 73 
 
 1797. Lion, Whitby, No. 561; now No. 312. 
 
 Warranted in 1797 as Lion Lodge, Whitby, No. 
 561 (Moderns). At the Union it became No. 583, 
 No. 391 in 1832, and No. 312 in 1863. Its meetings 
 are now held at the Masonic Hall, John Street, 
 West Cliff, Whitby. 
 
 1799. AUman's, Almondbury, No. 575. 
 
 This is another of the many Yorkshire lodges 
 
 which seem to have originated no one knows how 
 
 during a troublous period, and after a brief and not 
 
 always useful existence, departed silently without 
 
 leaving a trace. The Allman's Lodge was warranted 
 
 by the Moderns under that appellation as No. 575 
 
 in 1799. At the Union it became No. 594. As the 
 
 " Modern " lodges were free from the jealousy and 
 
 mistaken zeal which prompted the Ancients to 
 
 destroy their records when the Union became an 
 
 accomplished fact, in all probability the records of 
 
 K 
 
74 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 this lodge are mouldering in the attic of some 
 public-house near Mirfield at the present time. 
 
 The returns were very much neglected. Strange 
 to say, these were made to Grand Lodge up to 
 1827, and to Provincial Grand Lodge in 1834, when 
 it must have been removed from the roll I In 
 1806 a Chapter was attached, the warrant for which 
 was exhibited at the Worcester Masonic Exhibi- 
 tion (No. 709) by Bro. Dore, of Huddersfield. 
 The lodge simply expired, and had no new number 
 assigned to it in 1832. 
 
 1799. Mariner's, Selby, No. 576. 
 
 The Mariner's Lodge, No. 576 (Moderns), was 
 constituted at Selby in 1799. It received a new 
 number (595) at the Union, though really extinct 
 in 1806-7. At the division of Yorkshire in 1821, 
 this lodge was placed under the jurisdiction of the 
 Provincial Grand Lodge of West Yorkshire, causing 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 75 
 
 some trouble when the later Selby Lodge (St. Ger- 
 main's) was constituted in 1849 under N, and E. 
 Yorkshire. 
 
 1811. Union, 2d York Militia, York, No. 626. 
 
 Military lodges, even in the militia, at the date 
 of constitution of this lodge had so many difficulties, 
 and Masonry in Yorkshire was so unsettled, that 
 like many others the Union 2d York Militia Lodge 
 left few, if any, traces of its existence. It was 
 warranted by the Moderns in 181 1 as No. 626, and 
 became No. 634 at the Union. Working in 1816, 
 it expired soon after, and was erased by Grand 
 Lodge December 5, 1827. 
 
 1812. Candour, Delph, No. 635; now No. 337. 
 
 This lodge was warranted February 12, 181 2, at 
 Delph, Saddleworth, having been reconstituted on 
 the ashes of Unanimity Lodge, No. 328, Queen's 
 
76 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 Head, Penrith, the warrant of the latter lodge 
 having been forfeited February 6, 1811. The origi- 
 nal number of Unanimity was 500 when warranted 
 by the Moderns in 1776, becoming No. 4?| in 1781 
 and No'. 328 in 1792. 
 
 The new warrant of Candour Lodge, No. 635, is 
 signed by Augustus Frederick, G.M. Its number 
 was changed to 642 at the Union, to No. 422 in 
 1832, and to No. 337 in 1863. 
 
 1817. Phoenix, Hull, No. 368. 
 
 This lodge was formed mainly by Bro. Henry 
 Levett of Hull, who went personally to York for 
 the purpose, and bought the warrant, Royal Arch 
 and Knight Templar constitutions, furniture, jewels, 
 «&c., of the dormant Apollo Lodge, No. 368 (see 
 Apollo Lodge). The Phoenix was opened^ at 14 
 High Street, Hull, under the Apollo warrant, by a 
 preliminary meeting on Monday, June 30, 181 7, 
 its first regular meeting being held on Monday, 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 77 
 
 July 21, in the same year. The amount paid for 
 the Apollo paraphernalia seems to have proved 
 much too big for the members, as in 1834 the 
 Phoenix Lodge was the full amount and _;,^i6 more 
 in debt. The records and property of both the 
 Phoenix and its famous predecessor are in the 
 possession of the Humber Lodge, No. 57, Hull. 
 By the kind permission of the W.M., Bro. John 
 Walton, I visited Hull on the 17th April this year 
 (1885), for the purpose of examining the records in 
 possession of the Humber Lodge, and the whole of 
 these are now being collated and numbered. 
 
 I cannot sufficiently thank the W.M. of Humber Lodge (Bro. John 
 Walton) for the courtesy with which this permission was granted for 
 purely archsological purposes. I shall never forget the cheerful and 
 energetic assistance rendered to me by Bro. W. Tesseyman, W.M. of 
 the Humber Installed Masters' Lodge of Instruction, and Bro. George 
 L. Shackles, P.M., a member of the same : and am pleased to have this 
 opportunity of publicly acknowledging their truly Masonic courtesy, as 
 well as personal assistance, without which my researches must necessarily 
 have been far more difficult and prolonged. Last-century Masonic 
 records are all more or less valuable. If that be admitted, is it not an 
 unwise as well as a selfish policy to treat them as old ledgers ? As a 
 rule, the archsologist, of all others, appreciates the care bestowed upon 
 
78 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 ^them, and will readily pardon unusual strictness as to their custody ; at 
 the same time it should be borne in mind that, his labours being for 
 the craft, no lodge can suffer, but generally gain, by his investigations. 
 Having had a very extensive experience of lodge records, which in- 
 variably disclose matters that should on no account be published, I may 
 be pardoned for suggesting that the greatest caution should always be 
 observed in the selection of a P.M. of the lodge for this work. I 
 maintain that as personally none of us would hold securities in our safes 
 as men of business without knowing all about them, neither should we 
 neglect the same duty as Masons. No brother below the rank of W.M. 
 ought to be selected, however otherwise qualified ; but I do strongly 
 approve of lodge records and lodge history being collated and compiled 
 within the lodge if possible, especially as assistance may be had in these 
 days as was formerly unavailable. In case publication is decided upon 
 in the interest of craft history, such assistance should always be obtained. 
 
 1821. St. Alban's, Leeds, No. 749. 
 
 This lodge is remarkable as being composed of 
 "operative" members, and was warranted in 1821 
 as No. 749, at the White Swan, Leeds. It was 
 working in 1827, seven of its members, including 
 the then W.M. and Treasurer, having been pre- 
 sent at the opening of Airedale Lodge, Baildon, 
 in the early part of that year. It expired in 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 79 
 
 1829, and never changed its number. Several 
 Yorkshire lodges before and at this time were 
 under the impression that by contributing to Pro- 
 vincial Grand Lodge they were exempt from any 
 payments to Grand Lodge. This caused much 
 annoyance, many members of lodges not being 
 registered who had regularly paid their subscrip- 
 tions, and were otherwise entitled to registration. 
 In its operative character we have in this lodge an 
 attempt that could scarcely be expected to succeed. 
 The principle clashes somewhat with Masonic ideas 
 of "reputable circumstances," and has the grave 
 objection of creating distinctions in the craft wholly 
 antagonistic to its teachings of equality and frater- 
 nity. But I think these brethren were quite up to 
 the average of initiates at this period, and that 
 they would not have been known as "operatives" 
 had they not so designated themselves. Their 
 principles and working in no way differed from 
 other lodges. 
 
8o THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 1825. Integrity, Brighouse, No. 799; now Integrity, 
 Moriey, No. 380. 
 
 Warranted February 26, 1825 (Dundas, D.G.M.), 
 as Integrity Lodge, Brighouse, No. 799, and in 
 1832 became No. 529. This lodge was removed to 
 the Fountain Inn, Moriey, March 16, 1835, and 
 acquired No. 380 at the last closing-up in 1863. 
 
 1827. Airedale, Baildon, No. 814 ; now Airedale, Shipley, 
 No. 387. 
 
 This lodge was neither more nor less than a 
 revival of the Duke of York's Lodge, No. 502. 
 Its history is now well known. It became No. 
 543 in 1832 and No. 387 in 1863. 
 
 Constituted at Baildon, the Airedale was removed 
 to Shipley in December 1868, chiefly owing to the 
 preponderance of Shipley and Bradford residents 
 forming the members. On October 2, 1878, the 
 Right Hon. the Earl of Carnarvon, M.W. Pro. 
 CM., opened the New Masonic Hall in the pre- 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 sence of a distinguished company of brethren from 
 all parts. Since then many " good men and true " 
 have passed away, but at that time the Airedale 
 was a model lodge, and as such was, and is, widely 
 known and respected. A Mark lodge was attached 
 to the Airedale, whose members were very well- 
 up in the degree, which they conferred (generally 
 attending for that purpose at the Lodge of Hope, 
 Bradford), thirty years ago. The records of Aire- 
 dale Lodge are full of brotherly love and charity, 
 the unpublished instances far exceeding those re- 
 corded in its history. By a singular coincidence it 
 happens to be the last of the century. My original 
 intention was to say nothing about it, not having 
 thought about its date of constitution ; but my 
 mother lodge wi// not, and indeed cannot, be 
 excluded from the roll of honour. 
 
 L 
 
PART II. 
 
 I. 
 A COMPLETE LIST OF YORKSHIRE LODGES, 
 
 ARRANGED ACCORDING TO SENIORITY (BY DATE) AS COUNTY LODGES; 
 WITH REMARKS AND EXPLANATIONS THEREON. 
 
 IL 
 A LIST, 
 
 SHOWING THE CHANGES OF NUMBER EFFECTED BY THE EIGHT 
 CLOSINGS-UP OF GRAND LODGE. 
 
LIST No. I. 
 
 No. 
 
 Date of 
 Consti- 
 tution. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 Present Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 I 
 
 1729 
 
 Tliree Tuns 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 59 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 2 
 
 1738 
 
 Black Bull 
 
 Halifax 
 
 176 
 
 Probity 
 
 Halifax 
 
 6i 
 
 3 
 
 1754 
 
 Parrot 
 
 Leeds 
 
 243 
 
 
 
 
 
 4 
 
 1759 
 
 Black Bull 
 
 Hull 
 
 252 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 S 
 
 1759 
 
 Kingston- upon- H 
 
 ill 
 
 A 78 
 
 
 
 
 6 
 
 1761 
 
 Grolden Lion 
 
 Leeds 
 
 258 
 
 
 
 
 
 7 
 
 1761 
 
 Punch Bowl 
 
 York 
 
 259 
 
 
 
 
 
 8 
 
 1761 
 
 A Military Lodge 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 A 8s 
 
 
 
 
 9 
 
 1761 
 
 Blue Bell 
 
 Hull 
 
 267 
 
 
 
 
 10 
 
 1762 
 
 SMp 
 
 Harewood 
 Bridge 
 
 A 103 
 
 
 
 
 II 
 
 1762 
 
 Half Moon 
 
 Otley 
 
 287 
 
 
 
 
 12 
 
 1762 
 
 SMp 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 A 105 
 
 
 
 
 
 13 
 
 1763 
 
 Lodge at Bichmon 
 
 d 
 
 297 
 
 LeBox 
 
 Richmond 
 
 123 
 
 14 
 
 1764 
 
 Golden Lion 
 
 Whitby 
 
 A 127 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 IS 
 
 1765 
 
 Tontine 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 340 
 
 Britannia 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 139 
 
 i6 
 
 1766 
 
 Unanimity 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 361 
 
 Unanimity 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 154 
 
86 
 
 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 
 Date of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Consti- 
 tution. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 Present Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 17 
 
 1769 
 
 Bacclius 
 
 Halifax 
 
 448 
 
 
 
 18 
 
 1772 
 
 Britannic 
 
 Whitby 
 
 423 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 19 
 
 1772 
 
 A Military Lodge 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 A72 
 
 Removed to Bristol 
 
 68 
 
 20 
 
 1772 
 
 1st Regiment 
 York Militia 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 A 176 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 21 
 
 1773 
 
 Apollo 
 
 York 
 
 450 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 22 
 
 1774 
 
 Black Bull 
 
 Settle 
 
 A 188 
 
 
 
 
 
 23 
 
 1774 
 
 Benevolent 
 
 Middleham 
 
 473 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 24 
 
 177s 
 
 Swan with Two 
 Necks 
 
 Saddleworth 
 
 A 139 
 
 Removed tc 
 
 ) Stockport 
 
 ro4 
 
 25 
 
 1776 
 
 Boyal Oak 
 
 Ripon 
 
 495 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 26 
 
 1777 
 
 Cock 
 
 Barnsley 
 
 A 199 
 
 Peace 
 
 Meltham 
 
 149 
 
 27 
 
 1777 
 
 Union 
 
 York 
 
 504 
 
 York 
 
 York 
 
 236 
 
 28 
 
 1780 
 
 St. George's 
 
 Doncaster 
 
 433 
 
 St. George's 
 
 Doncaster 
 
 242 
 
 29 
 
 1781 
 
 Alfred 
 
 Wetherby 
 
 434 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 30 
 
 1781 
 
 Bodney 
 
 Hull 
 
 436 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 31 
 
 1782 
 
 St. George's, East 
 York Militia 
 
 York 
 
 442 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 32 
 
 1783 
 
 Minerva 
 
 Hull 
 
 451 
 
 Minerva 
 
 Hull 
 
 250 
 
 33 
 
 1787 
 
 Newtonian 
 
 Knaresbro' 
 
 499 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 34 
 
 1788 
 
 Duke of York 
 
 Doncaster 
 
 529 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 35 
 
 1788 
 
 Royal Yorkshire 
 
 Keighley 
 
 530 
 
 Royal Yorkshire 
 
 Keighley 
 
 265 
 
 36 
 
 1788 
 
 Globe 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 531 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 87 
 
 No. 
 37 
 
 Date of 
 Consti- 
 tution. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 Present Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 1789 
 
 Albion 
 
 Skipton 
 
 551 
 
 
 ... 
 
 38 
 
 1789 
 
 Harmony 
 
 Halifax - 
 
 552 
 
 Harmony 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 275 
 
 39 
 
 1791 
 
 Loyal and Prudent 
 
 Leeds 
 
 584 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 40 
 
 1791 
 
 Old Globe 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 A 267 
 
 Old Globe 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 200 
 
 41 
 
 1792 
 
 Samaritan 
 
 Keighley 
 
 504 
 
 Removed 
 
 to Bacup 
 
 286 
 
 42 
 
 1792 
 
 Philanthropic 
 
 Skipton 
 
 5°5 
 
 
 
 
 43 
 
 1792 
 
 Faith, Hope, and 
 Charity 
 
 Barnoldswick 
 
 506 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 44 
 
 1792 
 
 Fidelity 
 
 Leeds 
 
 512 
 
 Fidelity 
 
 Leeds 
 
 289 
 
 45 
 
 1793 
 
 White Hart 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 513 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 290 
 
 46 
 
 1793 
 
 Constitutional 
 
 Beverley 
 
 525 
 
 Constitutional 
 
 Beverley 
 
 294 
 
 47 
 
 1793 
 
 Royal Brunswick 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 527 
 
 Royal Brunswick 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 296 
 
 48 
 
 1794 
 
 Hope 
 
 Bradford 
 
 539 
 
 Hope 
 
 Bradford 
 
 302 
 
 49 
 
 1794 
 
 Philanthropic 
 
 Leeds 
 
 542 
 
 Philanthropic 
 
 Leeds 
 
 304 
 
 5° 
 
 1795 
 
 Alfred 
 
 Leeds 
 
 546 
 
 Alfred 
 
 Leeds 
 
 306 
 
 51 
 
 1796 
 
 Loyal Halifax 
 
 Halifax 
 
 549 
 
 Prince Frederick 
 
 Hebden Bridge 
 
 307 
 
 S2 
 
 1796 
 
 Prince George 
 
 Haworth 
 
 550 
 
 Prince George 
 
 Eastwood 
 
 308 
 
 53 
 
 1796 
 
 Ebenezer 
 
 Pately Bridge 
 
 556 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 54 
 
 1797 
 
 Lion 
 
 Whitby 
 
 561 
 
 Lion 
 
 Whitby 
 
 312 
 
 55 
 
 1799 
 
 Allman's 
 
 Almondbury 
 
 575 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 56 
 
 1799 
 
 Mariner's 
 
 Selby 
 
 576 
 
 
 
 
 
 57 
 
 1801 
 
 Nelson of the Nile 
 
 Batley 
 
 436 
 
 Nelson of the Nile 
 
 Batley 
 
 264 
 
88 
 
 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 No. 
 
 Date of 
 Consti- 
 tution. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 Present Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 58 
 
 1803 
 
 Amphibious 
 
 High Town 
 
 407 
 
 Amphibious 
 
 Heckmondwike 
 
 258 
 
 59 
 
 1803 
 
 Three Grand 
 Principles 
 
 Dewsbury 
 
 283 
 
 Three Grand 
 Principles 
 
 Dewsbury 
 
 208 
 
 60 
 
 1806 
 
 Amity 
 
 Steeton 
 
 224 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 61 
 
 1809 
 
 Humber 
 
 Hull 
 
 A S3 
 
 Humber 
 
 Hull 
 
 57 
 
 62 
 
 1810 
 
 Phoenix 
 
 Rotherham 
 
 496 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 63 
 
 1811 
 
 Union 2d York 
 Militia 
 
 York 
 
 626 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 64 
 
 1812 
 
 Candour 
 
 Saddleworth 
 
 635 
 
 Candour 
 
 Saddleworth 
 
 337 
 
 65 
 
 1816 
 
 Friendly 
 
 Barnsley 
 
 521 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 66 
 
 1817 
 
 Phoenix 
 
 Hull 
 
 368 
 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 67 
 
 1821 
 
 St. Alban's 
 
 Leeds 
 
 749 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 68 
 
 1825 
 
 Integrity 
 
 Brighouse 
 
 799 
 
 Integrity 
 
 Morley 
 
 380 
 
 69 
 
 1827 
 
 Airedale 
 
 Baildon 
 
 814 
 
 Airedale 
 
 Shipley 
 
 387 
 
 The abo 
 nui 
 
 nui 
 
 ve represent a centi 
 Tiber are extinct. ' 
 Tiber in 1832, viz., 1 
 
 iry — 1729 to I 
 ?he first two or 
 S.oyal Forest, 5 
 
 328. Those not extended 
 ily of the following lodges 
 75, and Three Graces, 59 
 
 after the original 
 received another 
 
 70 
 
 1829 
 
 Royal Forest 
 
 Slaidburn 
 
 846 
 
 Royal Forest 
 
 Slaidburn 
 
 401 
 
 71 
 
 1831 
 
 Three Graces 
 
 Haworth 
 
 862 
 
 Three Graces 
 
 Haworth 
 
 408 
 
 72 
 
 1836 
 
 Scientific 
 
 Bingley 
 
 642 
 
 Scientific 
 
 Bingley 
 
 439 
 
 73 
 
 1838 
 
 Loyal Ancient 
 St. James's 
 
 Thornton 
 
 656 
 
 St. James's 
 
 Halifax 
 
 448 
 
 74 
 
 1839 
 
 Aire and Calder 
 
 Goole 
 
 672 
 
 Aire and Calder 
 
 Goole 
 
 458 
 
 75 
 
 1839 
 
 Savile 
 
 Leeds 
 
 677 
 
 
 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 89 
 
 
 Date of 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 No. 
 
 Consti- 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 Present Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 76 
 
 tution. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1840 
 
 Verity 
 
 Ripon 
 
 681 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 77 
 
 1840 
 
 Tudor 
 
 Saddleworth 
 
 688 
 
 Removed to 
 
 Oldham 
 
 467 
 
 78 
 
 1842 
 
 Friendly 
 
 Barnsley 
 
 716 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 79 
 
 1844 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 727 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 495 
 
 80 
 
 1845 
 
 Truth 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 763 
 
 Truth 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 521 
 
 81 
 
 1847 
 
 Cleveland 
 
 Stokesley 
 
 795 
 
 Cleveland 
 
 Stokesley , 
 
 543 
 
 82 
 
 1849 
 
 Zetland 
 
 Guisborough 
 
 820 
 
 Zetland 
 
 Guisboro' 
 
 561 
 
 83 
 
 1849 
 
 St. Germain's 
 
 Selby 
 
 827 
 
 St. Germain's 
 
 Selby 
 
 566 
 
 84 
 
 1852 
 
 Harmony 
 
 Bradford 
 
 874 
 
 Harmony 
 
 Bradford 
 
 600 
 
 85 
 
 1852 
 
 North York 
 
 Middlesbro' 
 
 876 
 
 North York 
 
 Middlesbro' 
 
 602 
 
 86 
 
 1852 
 
 Zetland 
 
 Cleckheaton 
 
 877 
 
 Zetland 
 
 Cleckheaton 
 
 603 
 
 87 
 
 1854 
 
 St. Cuthhert's 
 
 Howden 
 
 913 
 
 St. Cuthbert's 
 
 Howden 
 
 630 
 
 88 
 
 1855 
 
 Royal 
 
 Filey 
 
 926 
 
 Royal 
 
 Filey 
 
 643 
 
 89 
 
 1855 
 
 Holme Valley 
 
 Holmfirth 
 
 937 
 
 Holme Valley 
 
 Holmfirth 
 
 652 
 
 90 
 
 1855 
 
 Camalodunum 
 
 Malton 
 
 958 
 
 Camalodunum 
 
 Malton 
 
 660 
 
 91 
 
 1858 
 
 Londesborough 
 
 Bridlington 
 
 1036 
 
 Londesborough 
 
 Bridlington 
 
 734 
 
 92 
 
 1858 
 
 Friendship 
 
 Cleckheaton 
 
 1052 
 
 Friendship 
 
 Cleckheaton 
 
 750 
 
 93 
 
 i860 
 
 Craven 
 
 Skipton 
 
 1112 
 
 Craven 
 
 Skipton 
 
 810 
 
 94 
 
 i860 
 
 St. John's 
 
 Dewsbury 
 
 1129 
 
 St. John's 
 
 Dewsbury 
 
 827 
 
 95 
 
 i860 
 
 DeGreyandBipon 
 
 Ripon 
 
 1139 
 
 DeGrev and Ripon 
 
 Ripon 
 
 837 
 
 96 
 
 1861 
 
 Phoenix 
 
 Rotherham 
 
 1206 
 
 Phoenix 
 
 Rotherham 
 
 904 
 
 97 
 
 1861 
 
 St. Oswald 
 
 Pontefract 
 
 1212 
 
 St. Oswald 
 
 Pontefract 
 
 910 
 
 iVl 
 
go 
 
 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 The following lodges, constituted and numbered after the 
 last closing-up by Grand Lodge, remain the same number as 
 warranted, and are all working: — 
 
 No. 
 
 Date of 
 Constitution. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 98 
 
 1863 
 
 Trafalgar 
 
 Batley 
 
 971 
 
 99 
 
 1863 
 
 Fentalpha 
 
 Bradford 
 
 974 
 
 100 
 
 1864 
 
 Harrogate and Claro 
 
 Harrogate 
 
 lOOI 
 
 101 
 
 1864 
 
 Kingston 
 
 Hull 
 
 lOIO 
 
 102 
 
 1864 
 
 Sliaksl)eare 
 
 Bradford 
 
 IOI8 
 
 103 
 
 1864 
 
 Sincerity 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 1019 
 
 104 
 
 1864 
 
 EcclesMU 
 
 Eccleshill 
 
 1034 
 
 105 
 
 1864 
 
 Sykes 
 
 Driffield 
 
 1040 
 
 106 
 
 1864 
 
 Excelsior 
 
 Leeds 
 
 1042 
 
 107 
 
 1866 
 
 Mirield 
 
 Mirfield 
 
 II02 
 
 108 
 
 1866 
 
 Wharfedale 
 
 Otley 
 
 1 108 
 
 109 
 
 1868 
 
 Godericli 
 
 Leeds 
 
 I2II 
 
 no 
 
 1868 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 Batley 
 
 I214 
 
 III 
 
 i868 
 
 Defence 
 
 Leeds 
 
 I22I 
 
 112 
 
 1868 
 
 Savile 
 
 Elland 
 
 I23I 
 
 113 
 
 1868 
 
 Wentworth 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 1239 
 
 114 
 
 1868 
 
 Marwood 
 
 Redcar 
 
 1244 
 
 IIS 
 
 1868 
 
 Denison 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 1248 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 91 
 
 No. 
 
 Date of 
 Constitution. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 116 
 
 1869 
 
 Byburn 
 
 Sowerby Bridge 
 
 1283 
 
 117 
 
 1870 
 
 Brighouse 
 
 Brighouse 
 
 1301 
 
 118 
 
 1870 
 
 De Warren 
 
 Halifax 
 
 1302 
 
 119 
 
 1870 
 
 Zetland 
 
 Leeds 
 
 13 1 1 
 
 120 
 
 1870 
 
 Anchor 
 
 Northallerton 
 
 1337 
 
 121 
 
 1872 
 
 Falcon 
 
 Thirsk 
 
 1416 
 
 122 
 
 1873 
 
 WharnclifFe 
 
 Penistone 
 
 1462 
 
 123 
 
 1874 
 
 Alexandra 
 
 Hornsea 
 
 1511 
 
 124 
 
 1874 
 
 Friendly 
 
 Barnsley 
 
 15^3 
 
 125 
 
 1874 
 
 Thomhill 
 
 Lindley 
 
 1514 
 
 126 
 
 1874 
 
 Olicana 
 
 Ilkley 
 
 1522 
 
 127 
 
 187s 
 
 Legiolum 
 
 Castleford 
 
 1542 
 
 128 
 
 187s 
 
 Baildon 
 
 Baildon 
 
 1545 
 
 129 
 
 1876 
 
 De la Pole 
 
 Hull 
 
 1605 
 
 130 
 
 1876 
 
 Eboracum 
 
 York 
 
 1611 
 
 131 
 
 1876 
 
 Handyside 
 
 Saltburn 
 
 1618 
 
 132 
 
 1876 
 
 Colne Valley 
 
 Slaithwaite 
 
 1645 
 
 133 
 
 1876 
 
 Prince of Wales 
 
 Bradford 
 
 1648 
 
 134 
 
 1878 
 
 St John's 
 
 Halifax 
 
 1736 
 
 13s 
 
 1878 
 
 Leopold 
 
 Scarborough 
 
 1760 
 
 136 
 
 1878 
 
 Ivanhoe 
 
 Sheffield 
 
 1779 
 
 137 
 
 1878 
 
 Albert Edward 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 1783 
 
92 
 
 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 No. 
 
 Date of 
 Constitution. 
 
 Name. 
 
 Place. 
 
 No. 
 
 138 
 
 139 
 140 
 141 
 
 1879 
 1883 
 1884 
 1884 
 
 Ferrum 
 Agricola 
 Beaumont 
 Prudence 
 
 Middlesbrough 
 York 
 
 Kirkburton 
 I-eeds 
 
 1848 
 1991 
 
 203s 
 2069 
 
 It will be found by the preceding list of Yorkshire 
 lodges that, out of a total of 141, only 12 owe their con- 
 stitution to the "Ancients," the remaining 129 having 
 been warranted by the " Moderns." Of these 141 
 lodges, 100 have been, before or after the division, in 
 West Yorkshire, and 41 in the sister province of North 
 and East Yorkshire ; there being 68 lodges working at 
 present in the former, and 28 in the latter province. 
 Forty-one lodges have been erased or have otherwise 
 become extinct, twenty-eight of these being West York- 
 shire lodges, and thirteen of the province of North and 
 East Yorkshire ; whilst four West Riding lodges have 
 been continued in other provinces, two being now in 
 Lancashire, one in Cheshire, and one at Bristol. 
 
 To those who have not gone much below the surface 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 93 
 
 of Masonic history, the four Grand Lodges are even 
 yet an enigma, and it is still a common experience to 
 find Masons, who are really well-informed on general 
 Masonic subjects, mixing them up in a strange fashion. 
 This arises (apart from a want of serious study) from 
 the title of " Ancients " assumed by the seceders 
 being, as regards antiquity, more correctly applicable 
 to the Grand Lodge of England (17 17). The title of 
 " Moderns," by which name the latter was designated, 
 originated with their rivals first as a contemptuous 
 term ; afterwards it came to be applied generally 
 amongst Masons as a distinctive title merely, as it is 
 still used. But the most awkward thing is this title 
 of "Ancient," which has been used more or less by all 
 the Grand Lodges ; and there are few private lodges 
 that do not style themselves of the Ancient and 
 honourable fraternity, &c., which is quite right, but in 
 some minds adds to the confusion. Whilst we may 
 distinguish the four Grand Lodges most effectively 
 by dropping their names, and calling them 171 7, 1725, 
 1753, and 1779 instead, such a method is not open to 
 
94 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 the historian, to whose mind the titles, perplexing as 
 they are to many, convey a much wider significance 
 than the dates of foundation. I have so often tried 
 to convince brethren how simple this matter is — 
 they have so often admitted, with startling earnestness 
 some, and with demonstrative glee others, that " it was 
 quite clear," when in less than ten minutes I knew 
 it wasn't — that it is useless to attempt it in print ; 
 believing, as I now do, that the requisite knowledge is 
 attainable in only one way, there being no royal road 
 to it. Nevertheless, when the term "Ancients" is used, 
 the Masonic student always understands it to mean 
 either the Grand Lodge formed in 1753 by brethren 
 who seceded from the parent Grand Lodge in 1 738, or 
 the brethren forming lodges under its constitution. If 
 we add that similarly he always recognises the parent 
 Grand Lodge (17 17), and the present United Grand 
 Lodge of England, or their members, as " Moderns," 
 we trust, so far as this work is concerned, no difficulty 
 will be experienced even by the youngest craftsman. 
 We have really only to deal with the "Moderns" 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 95 
 
 (1717), or the "Ancients" (1753) — all in the list having 
 been warranted by one or the other. The Grand Lodge 
 south of the Trent (1779), as its name implies, did not 
 touch Yorkshire ; whilst the Grand Lodge of All Eng- 
 land at York (1725) may for all practical purposes, and 
 the reasons already given, be ignored altogether, so little 
 did it ever influence Yorkshire Masonry. 
 
 To make the list for reference equally clear to the 
 craftsman and the Masonic student, all lodges distin- 
 guished by A before the number were constituted under 
 the " Ancients," all the remainder being " Moderns " 
 either before or after the Union in 1813. The same 
 distinction is made in List IL which follows. 
 
 Up to 1790 there were, in addition to those given in 
 the first list, a few lodges that, during a brief period, 
 existed under the Grand Lodge of All England (York) ; 
 which, strangely enough, was never popular as a Grand 
 Lodge, even in York. These are fortunately not im- 
 portant. The absence of any system of numbering, such 
 as adopted by the other three Grand Lodges, and the 
 paucity of reliable evidence, has made the task of trac- 
 
96 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 ing the few that did exist exceptionally difficult. As, 
 however, appeared desirable, one or two lodges are 
 casually referred to in connection with others. There 
 is reason to believe that many records of the lodges 
 were wilfully destroyed under scrupulous misapprehen- 
 sions of brethren ; whilst others, not destroyed before 
 1790, were suppressed, and it is supposed ultimately met 
 the same fate. What documentary evidence is available 
 concerning the York Grand Lodge is in charge of the 
 York Lodge, No. 236, at York, and a worthy custodian 
 of those archives it has proved to be. They are, so far 
 at least as the historian is concerned, of an incomplete 
 character ; and I see no hope in the future of being able 
 to cure a complaint now of so long standing, except 
 by the establishment of a Northern Provinces Masonic 
 Museum. One special advantage of this would be the 
 greater facilities afforded of collecting existing evidence 
 and curiosities ; and it is a pity that the project was not 
 started vigorously long ago. I believe there are few 
 lodges that would not be glad to hand over their 
 antiques and curios if such a place of safety could be 
 
LOBGE AMD CHAPTER SEALS 
 
 S E PA BAT I ST LODGE 
 
 BARNSLEY 
 
 1823 
 
 1 
 
 NUMBER LODGE 
 
 HULL 
 
 ■I 
 
 •.f>o 5e.^.F-' 
 
 PHILANTHROPIC LODGE 
 
 LEEDS 
 
 6 
 
 AIREDALE LODGE 
 SHIPLEY 
 
 2 
 
 CONSTITUTIONAL CHAPTER 
 BEVERLEY 
 
 ROYAL YORKSH I RE 
 KEIGH LEY 
 
 OLD S E A L t--/- 
 N9 47 1 
 
 PERSEVERANCE CHAPTER 
 HALIFAX 
 
 I-EICESTER LODGE N?3I 
 ANCIENTS 
 
 •■•%0 3^9J--\ 
 
 HOPE LODGE 
 BRADFORD 
 
 \^E 
 
 UNANIMITY CHAPTER 
 
 Thomas C Jack, London JcEdmturgh 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 97 
 
 offered them. On the other hand, there would be an end 
 to the evil now existing of not knowing what to do with 
 Masonic documents, when these fall into the hands of 
 non-Masons as executors and trustees. Parson and 
 White, in "Annals of Leeds, York, &c.," page 113, state 
 — "At the demolition of Pontefract Castle, in 1649, was 
 found a very ancient MS. on the subject of Free" 
 masonry, which in the year 1738 was presented to one 
 of the lodges in the city of York by Mr. Drake, the 
 celebrated antiquary, who was the Master in 1761." 
 This was included in the 1779 York inventory, — Har- 
 grove says it was in existence in 1818, — and other most 
 important York evidence, also missing, would have been 
 saved (and nobody knows how much more) had there 
 been a Masonic Museum in York. Much reliance can- 
 not be placed on Hargrove concerning Masonry. He 
 appears to have believed the craft to be a mysterious 
 and powerful organisation amongst which he had to 
 live, and therefore, having to depend on Bro. Blanchard 
 for information, he was naturally anxious to please. Yet 
 I think he need not have called the Rockingham Club 
 
 N 
 
98 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 a Masonic lodge, even if there were many well-known 
 Masons members of it. 
 
 The more we persevere with the study of the York 
 Grand Lodge, the more uninteresting and aggravating 
 almost it becomes ; not so much because of wrong- 
 doing, as that we are compelled to believe that it 
 was too indolent and indifferent to do anything. As 
 a Grand Lodge it proved itself incapable of realising 
 its position, or understanding its functions and duties. 
 Had it ever possessed half the vitality of the "regular" 
 Grand Lodge, or had a Secretary with a trifle of the 
 energy and administrative capacity of Laurence Der- 
 mott, we should have been able to give a different 
 account of it to-day, notwithstanding the extraordinary 
 disappearance' of a few old parchments. 
 
 Many of the "Ancient" lodges abroad, even up to a 
 few years before the Union, believed themselves under 
 the York Grand Lodge.* Some of the American lodges 
 
 * Dermott's audacity enabled him to style his followers "Ancients" in 
 England and " York Masons " anywhere out of it, for his own purposes ; although 
 the All England Grand Lodge at York was at the time in existence. His prin- 
 ciple was to connect the seceders with York when convenient, as a means to his 
 own ends, and only then. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 99 
 
 then, instead of the usual designation " according to the 
 old constitutions," had engraved on the top of their 
 "Atholl" certificates, "agreeable to the Ancient York 
 constitutions," clearly showing that whilst registered' 
 and working under the "Ancients," they had no idea 
 of it. As a matter of fact, the seceders prospered 
 with their assumed name on the antiquity of the Grand 
 Lodge of All England, whose listlessness Dermott 
 naturally took advantage of. The absence of the 1705 
 minute-book is truly a grievous loss ; and I have 
 reluctantly come to the conclusion that until further 
 records come to light, the history of the Grand Lodge 
 of All England at York must remain in the condition 
 it has been so many years. That valuable documents 
 still exist in Yorkshire I firmly believe ; and it becomes 
 a question whether an effort shall be made to recover 
 them. 
 
LIST No. II. 
 
 Original No. 
 
 Name. 
 
 1740. 
 
 1756. 
 
 1770. 
 
 1781. 
 
 1792. 
 
 1814. 
 
 1832. 
 
 1863. 
 
 59 
 
 Three Tuns 
 
 52 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 176 
 
 Probity 
 
 162 
 
 97 
 
 81 
 
 65 
 
 61 
 
 84 
 
 73 
 
 61 
 
 243 
 
 Parrot 
 
 
 181 
 
 142 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 A S3 
 
 HumVer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 73 
 
 65 
 
 57 
 
 A 72 
 
 Royal Clarence 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 95 
 
 81 
 
 68 
 
 252 
 
 Black Bull 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 78 
 
 A Lodge at Hull 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 258 
 
 Golden Lion 
 
 
 
 205 
 
 165 
 
 
 
 
 
 259 
 
 Punch Bowl 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 85 
 
 A Lodge at Sheffield 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 267 
 
 Blue Bell 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 103 
 
 Ship 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 287 
 
 Half Moon 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 105 
 
 Ship 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 
 297 
 
 Lenox 
 
 
 
 242 
 
 193 
 
 165 
 
 202 
 
 144 
 
 123 
 
 A 127 
 
 Golden Lion 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 340 
 
 Britannia 
 
 
 
 277 
 
 221 
 
 189 
 
 232 
 
 162 
 
 »39 
 
 361 
 
 Unanimity 
 
 
 
 296 
 
 238 
 
 202 
 
 252 
 
 179 
 
 154 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 lOl 
 
 Original No. 
 
 Name. 
 
 1740. 
 
 1756. 
 
 1770. 
 
 1781. 
 
 1792. 
 
 1814. 
 
 1832. 
 
 1863. 
 
 A 139 
 
 St. John's 
 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 168 
 
 121 
 
 104 
 
 373 
 
 Three Grand Principles 
 
 
 
 308 
 
 250 
 
 283 
 
 358 
 
 251 
 
 208 
 
 406 
 
 Amity 
 
 
 ... 
 
 341 
 
 266 
 
 224 
 
 280 
 
 
 ... 
 
 448 
 
 Bacchus 
 
 
 
 383 
 
 297 
 
 
 
 
 
 423 
 
 Britannic 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 332 
 
 
 
 
 
 A 176 
 
 1st Regiment York Militia 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 45° 
 
 Apollo 
 
 
 
 
 358 
 
 290 
 
 368 
 
 
 
 A 188 
 
 Black Bull 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 473 
 
 Benevolent 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 380 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 495 
 
 Royal Oak 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 401 
 
 324 
 
 412 
 
 
 ... 
 
 A 199 
 
 Peace 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 247 
 
 174 
 
 149 
 
 504 
 
 York 
 
 ... 
 
 
 ... 
 
 410 
 
 331 
 
 423 
 
 287 
 
 236 
 
 432 
 
 St. George's* 
 
 
 
 
 433 
 
 348 
 
 447 
 
 298 
 
 242 
 
 434 
 
 Alfred 
 
 
 
 
 
 349 
 
 
 
 
 436 
 
 Rodney 
 
 
 
 
 
 351 
 
 451 
 
 
 
 442 
 
 St. George's, E. York Militia 
 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 
 356 
 
 460 
 
 
 
 451 
 
 Minerva 
 
 
 
 
 
 363 
 
 467 
 
 311 
 
 250 
 
 498 
 
 Amphibious 
 
 
 
 
 
 407 
 
 489 
 
 322 
 
 258 
 
 499 
 
 Newtonian 
 
 
 
 
 
 408 
 
 490 
 
 323 
 
 
 527 
 
 Nelson of the Nile 
 
 
 
 
 
 436 
 
 500 
 
 330 
 
 264 
 
 529 
 
 Duke of York's 
 
 
 
 
 
 438 
 
 502 
 
 
 ... 
 
 530 
 
 Royal Yorkshire 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 
 439 
 
 5°3 
 
 332 
 
 265 
 
 * The St. George's happened to have the wrong number (432) given in its warrant, it being issued before 
 the omission previously referred to in connection with the 1781 closing-up had been discovered. 
 
loa 
 
 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 Original No. 
 
 Name. 
 
 1740. 
 
 1756. 
 
 1770. 
 
 1781. 
 
 1792. 
 
 1814. 
 
 1832. 
 
 1863. 
 
 531 
 
 Globe 
 
 
 
 
 
 440 
 
 5°4 
 
 
 ... 
 
 551 
 
 Albion 
 
 
 
 
 
 460 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 SS2 
 
 Harmony 
 
 
 
 
 
 461 
 
 517 
 
 342 
 
 27s 
 
 557 
 
 Friendly 
 
 
 
 
 
 466 
 
 521 
 
 
 
 584 
 
 Loyal and Prudent 
 
 
 
 
 
 493 
 
 532 
 
 
 
 A 267 
 
 Old Globe 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 337 
 
 236 
 
 200 
 
 587 
 
 Pboenix 
 
 
 
 
 
 496 
 
 533 
 
 354 
 
 ... 
 
 504 
 
 Samaritan 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 539 
 
 358 
 
 286 
 
 505 
 
 Philantliropic 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 540 
 
 359 
 
 ... 
 
 506 
 
 Three Graces 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 541 
 
 
 
 512 
 
 Fidelity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 546 
 
 364 
 
 289 
 
 513 
 
 Huddersfield 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 547 
 
 365 
 
 290 
 
 525 
 
 Constitutional 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 554 
 
 371 
 
 294 
 
 527 
 
 Royal Brunswick 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 556 
 
 373 
 
 296 
 
 S39 
 
 Hope 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 56s 
 
 379 
 
 302 
 
 542 
 
 Philanthropic 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 568 
 
 382 
 
 304 
 
 546 
 
 Alfred 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 571 
 
 384 
 
 306 
 
 549 
 
 Prince Frederick 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 573 
 
 38s 
 
 307 
 
 55° 
 
 Prince George 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 574 
 
 386 
 
 308 
 
 556 
 
 Ebenezer 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 580 
 
 ... 
 
 
 561 
 
 Lion 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 583 
 
 391 
 
 312 
 
 575 
 
 Allman's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 594 
 
 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 103 
 
 Original No. 
 
 Name. 
 
 1740. 
 
 1756. 
 
 1770. 
 
 1781. 
 
 1792. 
 
 1814. 
 
 1832. 
 
 1863. 
 
 576 
 
 Mariners 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 .595 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 626 
 
 Union 2d York Militia 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 634 
 
 ... 
 
 ... 
 
 368 
 
 Phoenix 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 63s 
 
 Candour 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 642 
 
 422 
 
 337 
 
 749 
 
 St. Alban's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 
 799 
 
 Integrity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 529 
 
 380 
 
 814 
 
 Airedale 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 543 
 
 387 
 
 846 
 
 Royal Forest 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 575 
 
 401 
 
 862 
 
 Three Graces 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 591 
 
 408 
 
 642 
 
 Scientific 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 439 
 
 656 
 
 St. James's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 448 
 
 672 
 
 Aire and Calder 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 458 
 
 677 
 
 Savile 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 681 
 
 Verity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 688 
 
 Tudor 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 467 
 
 716 
 
 Friendly 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ... 
 
 727 
 
 Wakefield 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 495 
 
 763 
 
 Truth 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 521 
 
 79s 
 
 Cleveland 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 543 
 
 820 
 
 Zetland 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 561 
 
 827 
 
 St. Germain's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 566 
 
 874 
 
 Harmony 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 600 
 
104 
 
 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 Original No. 
 
 Name. 
 
 1740. 
 
 1756. 
 
 1770. 
 
 1781. 
 
 1792. 
 
 1814. 
 
 1832. 
 
 1863. 
 
 876 
 
 North York 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 602 
 
 877 
 
 Zeliland 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 603 
 
 913 
 
 St. Cuthbert's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 630 
 
 926 
 
 Bioyal 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 643 
 
 937 
 
 Holme Valley 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 652 
 
 958 
 
 Camalodunum 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 660 
 
 1036 
 
 Londesborough 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 734 
 
 1052 
 
 Friendship 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 75° 
 
 1112 , 
 
 Craven 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 810 
 
 1129 
 
 St. John's 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 827 
 
 1139 
 
 De Grey and Eipon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 837 
 
 1206 
 
 Phoenix 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 904 
 
 1212 
 
 St. Oswald 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 910 
 
 'T 
 
 -1 -1 r .1 
 
 1 _ 
 
 1 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 The remainder of the lodges having been constituted 
 since the last closing-up in 1863, and therefore being 
 still the same number, need not be included in List 
 No. 2. All these may, however, be found in List 
 No. I from" consecutive numbers 98 to 141. 
 
 Lodges now existing will be found under the 
 extreme right„liand_.coJnmn_in both ^lists ; consequently 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 105 
 
 the last column to the right indicates the last number 
 as applied to every lodge in Yorkshire; whilst its 
 former number or numbers are shown in the columns 
 to the left. In consulting No. II. List the reader is 
 referred to the footnote on page 24, as in all cases the 
 correct and not the assigned numbers of 1781 closing- 
 up (St. George's alone excepted) are here given. Only 
 thirteen Yorkshire lodges were affected, and seven of 
 these are since extinct. All these lodges are distin- 
 guished by giving both numbers in the text forming 
 the first part of the volume. 
 
 Referring to the list of Provincial Grand Masters, 
 the Provincial Grand Lodge of Yorkshire was in a 
 lamentable condition, and was only called together once 
 or twice between 181 1 and 1816, Robert Pemberton 
 Milnes being de facto Provincial Grand Master. In 
 1 81 6 communications passed between him, the Grand 
 Secretaries, and many lodges in the West Riding, with 
 a view to division of the county into two or three 
 
 separate provinces. The Provincial Grand Master 
 
 o 
 
io6 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 himself "perfectly agreed with the substance of the 
 Memorial," and promised " to use his interest with 
 H.R.H. the Grand Master;" the result being that the 
 Duke of Sussex appointed Robert Pemberton Milnes, 
 Esq., Provincial Grand Master of the West Riding of 
 Yorkshire in 1817, which office he did not resign until 
 1 82 1, when a meeting was called at the New Inn, Brad- 
 ford, by circular dated February 20, 1821, "to nominate 
 a person to succeed R. P. Milnes, Esq., who has resigned 
 the office of Provincial Grand Master." Viscount Pol- 
 lington was then nominated, and thus became second 
 Provincial Grand Master of the West Riding of the 
 county of York. 
 
 Having made out my list in accordance with these 
 facts, it is right, inasmuch as it differs from any other 
 previously published, to make this explanation. Al- 
 though R. P. Milnes may not have summoned his 
 Provincial Grand Lodge once between 18 17 and 1821, 
 he would still be de jure Provincial Grand Master for 
 West Yorkshire during that period, just as he was 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 107 
 
 Provincial Grand Master for Yorkshire up to the time 
 of his translation by the Grand Master in 181 7. Not- 
 withstanding the unsatisfactory state of Provincial busi- 
 ness, Lord Pollington remained in office two years before 
 he called the Provincial Grand Lodge together. I have 
 no direct evidence in my possession, but believe that 
 Lord Dundas was appointed Provincial Grand Master 
 for North and East Yorkshire at the same time (1817) 
 as the Duke of Sussex appointed Milnes to the West 
 Riding.* The two first Provincial Grand Masters under 
 the head of "Yorkshire" are in the Grand Lodge 
 Calendars styled "West Riding," owing probably to their 
 places of residence : but I conceive they are rightly 
 placed, and see no reason why the other four might not 
 have been so denominated ; York itself being placed then 
 in the West Riding, and Selby also. Anyway, there was 
 at the time (i738_i74o), only one lodge in the West 
 Riding (Halifax), and one in the North Riding (Scar- 
 
 * This has been since confirmed by Bro. W. J. Hughan, who states that 
 Lord Dundas was at Grand Lodge in 18 19 as Provincial Grand Master. 
 
io8 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 borough), i.e., two in the whole county ; hence no doubt 
 exists in my mind that whatever the later Provincial 
 Grand Masters did for the whole county before the first 
 division in 1817, both Horton and Rooke did for these 
 two lodges, then constituting one Masonic Province, 
 
 The "Globe" Lodge, Scarborough (Moderns, see 
 page 61), renounced its original constitution, as stated on 
 pages 55 and 56, and in 181 1, as "Old Globe" under 
 the Ancients, consisted of over fifty members — a large 
 number in those days. The foundation-stone of a 
 spacious lodge-room was laid on October 9, 1797, 
 with Masonic ceremonial. Attention is also called to 
 Benevolent Lodge (see page 41). Middleham is in the 
 north, and was never (except Masonically, perhaps) in 
 the West Riding. It would probably be recommended 
 by a West Riding lodge, or a Provincial Grand Master 
 resident therein ; hence the designation " in the West 
 Riding of Yorkshire " appearing in the Calendars. 
 
CONCLUSION, 
 
 -♦-♦- 
 
 The preface sufficiently indicates the object as well as 
 the designed scope of this book. I never intended 
 it to advocate theories old or new; and if, from a 
 genuine interest in the York Grand Lodge, I have 
 occasionally expressed opinions based on the evidence 
 so far before me, this has been done rather to show 
 the necessity of Yorkshire Masons striving with all 
 their might to rescue existing records from useless 
 decay, than to ventilate conclusions which, after all, and 
 unimportant as those opinions are, may differ from the 
 views of others. If the ideal historian of the early York 
 Masons and their successors ever appears, he will doubt- 
 less find himself compelled to draw largely on tradition ; 
 and he must not only be an antiquarian and an acute 
 
no THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 critic, but possess a thorough knowledge of past lodge 
 life and customs — three qualities rarely to be found in 
 one individual. He will require the single-heartedness 
 of a Hughan, and the patience of Job. At present, and 
 so long as the chain of evidence remains incomplete 
 (as it is likely to be still for an indefinite period), the 
 history of the Grand Lodge of All England, even from 
 1725, must be a more or less controversial subject; 
 and especially will this be the case if its subordinate 
 lodges form a part of it. This has been my chief 
 reason for not including the few "All England " York- 
 shire lodges in their reputed chronological order with 
 the rest. 
 
 However, whether apart from, or in connection 
 with, the Grand Lodge of All England, its craft pre- 
 decessors or later subordinate lodges, no one will deny 
 the Masonic importance of Yorkshire as a. county. Its 
 old traditions in many respects incline to probability, 
 and, so far, authenticated history has failed materially 
 to depreciate their value. 
 
 An extraordinary instance of the apathy of brethren 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. iii 
 
 concerning Masonic history appears in the fact of our 
 oldest Yorkshire lodge not having claimed a centenary 
 jewel until nearly 150 years old. Apparently because 
 the jewel was not instituted when its centenary was 
 celebrated in 1838, the Probity Lodge, with its most 
 valuable Masonic evidence, has never appreciated the 
 records sufficiently to devote any time to its important 
 history until recently ; although the evident care with 
 which its continuous minute-books have been preserved 
 cannot be too highly praised. Surely it is high time 
 Masonic researches should be laid before the craft, 
 instead of confining them piecemeal to occasional con- 
 tributions to the Masonic journals, which it is admitted 
 have comparatively few regular readers. The study of 
 Masonic history by such means is hopelessly confined 
 to very few individuals, able to take up a link at any 
 point ; and it is useless and unreasonable to expect 
 brethren taking a more active interest in such a pur- 
 suit, until they know how to formulate their procedure, 
 and are first of all acquainted with the present advanced 
 position the researches of our eminent living historians 
 
II a THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 have attained for us. It is also absurd to throw down 
 a lodge history commenced ten years ago, because the 
 activity of recent investigators has brought to light 
 many old-standing fallacies. This is a poor excuse, 
 and I am afraid the true reason is to be found in the 
 close application required. Brethren seem to forget 
 that our ablest Masonic writers have had to experience 
 the same upsetting of long-established ideas ; but whilst 
 the latter now wonder at their early errors, they are 
 glad to accept the change, and do so with a certain 
 degree of pride ; for have they not been the indis- 
 pensable pioneers of the truth? Masonic research must 
 really be a hobby to be successful. The time was, 
 when we, as a society, were taunted with having no 
 history, and such as it was, many intelligent Masons 
 considered we should be far better without. Then an 
 eminent antiquary * publicly wrote, " I have conducted 
 many antiquarian researches, but I candidly must say 
 that I never have met with such disgusting frauds as 
 
 Pinkerton, "Notes and Queries," November 1869. 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 113 
 
 have been practised during the last one hundred and 
 fifty years by the Freemasons" — strong language in- 
 deed, but it has done the craft more real service than 
 all the controversy on the subject before or since. I 
 advocate lodge histories from minute-books, because 
 past experience has shown that accidents or events may 
 at any time deprive us of the originals, consequently 
 it should be a duty. Further, nothing is so interesting 
 to the members, because such evidence is reliable ; and 
 there certainly is one very great consolation in the fact, 
 that as a mighty organisation for present good "extend- 
 ing over the whole surface of the habitable globe," we 
 need neither point to the traditionary lore of remote 
 ages, nor the more complete evidence of the past cen- 
 tury for a character. "Good wine needs no bush." 
 
 I will now briefly refer to one or two matters which 
 in the body of the present work admit of being m.ade 
 a little clearer. On reading over the concluding portion 
 of Black Bull Lodge, Settle, No. 188, on page 41, it 
 appears desirable to point out that the mixing of 
 
 "Ancient" and "Modern" Masons in lodges was at 
 
 p 
 
114 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 this time very common in Yorkshire, and, as in the case 
 of Airedale Lodge (whose petition had to be several 
 times re-written, for the purpose of substituting other 
 names), great difficulties arose when applying for a war- 
 rant, so late as 1827, in consequence of "Moderns" 
 having been for some time subscribing members to 
 " Ancient " lodges up to the Union, and after then to 
 the same lodge, but never returned to Grand Lodge. 
 Many of the Atholl lodges "took time to consider" 
 after the Union, some of them so long as to be erased. 
 When the names of such brethren were transmitted on 
 the petition for a warrant, the answer came from Grand 
 Secretary " not registered." There is not the slightest 
 doubt that until long after 1813 the Freemasonry of 
 the county was unsettled, and many lodges utterly 
 devoid of discipline. I have personally known of 
 several brethren who, after being the chief workers in a 
 lodge for many years prior to 1827, were again initiated, 
 passed, and raised, in order to be properly registered and 
 obtain a certificate. 
 
 An unpleasant fact that will probably surprise my 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 115 
 
 brethren in' the perusal of the first part of the volume, 
 is the number of lodges whose records and valuables 
 have disappeared. The seal of St. George's Lodge, 
 Doncaster, mentioned by Bro. Hughan in his introduc- 
 tion to the history of that lodge in 1880, and which I 
 was most anxious to reproduce, is not now to be found, 
 and I could name many similar cases. But when a 
 lodge has ceased to exist, how strangely indifferent 
 neighbouring lodges are as to its concerns or its pro- 
 perty ! There are, of course, instances where it is 
 known that the minute-books, jewels, &c., have been 
 divided amongst a few surviving members of the defunct 
 lodge. This, indeed, was the excuse given to me on 
 remonstrating with some intimate brethren for their 
 apathy in a case of this kind ; but I am of opinion that 
 such circumstances are entirely favourable for interfer- 
 ence, as generally the entire effects will either be pre- 
 sented to a lodge willing to preserve them, or, at any 
 rate, can be bought by such lodge for a mere nominal 
 sum, out of all proportion to their actual value. I 
 quite expect my Yorkshire brethren will find mentioned 
 
ii6 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 in these pages many lodges they never heard of before ; 
 for there is nothing so absolutely forgotten as a "dead" 
 lodge. 
 
 It is with regret I have to announce that impres- 
 sions of several lodge seals actually promised me have, 
 on inquiry and search, proved to be missing. Those 
 introduced in their place on the last plate, from my 
 own collection, and for which I was indebted to R.W. 
 Bro. Wm. Kelly, F.S.A., P. Prov. G.M. Leicester- 
 shire and Rutland, &c., I trust are sufficiently curious 
 (although they have no direct connection with Yorkshire 
 Freemasonry) to reproduce without an apology. The 
 facsimile reprint 6f the proceedings of the Provincial 
 Grand Lodge of Yorkshire, held on August 26th, 1789, 
 is from the original in my possession. 
 
 I ought, perhaps, to add, that thinking they would 
 form a more appropriate frontispiece to my own book, the 
 position of the two "arms," from Ahiman Rezon of 1764, 
 is here reversed. In the latter work the arms of the 
 "Ancients" appear at the top. According to Laurence 
 Dermott the proper blazoning is as follows : — Quarterly 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 117 
 
 per squares, vert ; in the first quarter, azure, a lion, 
 rampant, or ; in the second quarter, or, an ox, passant, 
 sable ; in the third quarter, or, a man with hands erect, 
 proper, robed crimson and ermine ; in the fourth quarter, 
 azure, an eagle displayed, or. Crest, the holy ark of 
 the covenant, proper, supported by cherubims. Motto, 
 KoDES LA Adonai, z.e., Holiness to the Lord. 
 
 The very curious and rare second degree seal of the 
 London Grand Lodge of "Ancients" is from a certifi- 
 cate of 1764 signed by Dermott. The Irish Grand 
 Lodge seal is from a certificate of 1809. 
 
 Lastly, as the result of my own experience, let the 
 young Masonic student try to win the interest and con- 
 fidence of the old Past Masters. He will never regret 
 it. As a rule, he will find that they love Masonry for 
 itself, so that the first step will proceed from a similar 
 harmony of inclinations. Without attempting to explain 
 the fact that I have always been privileged to number 
 many of these veterans amongst my most intimate 
 brethren, I may very properly own the knotty points 
 unravelled, and popular errors corrected, during my 
 
ii8 THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. 
 
 study of Yorkshire Freemasonry, by means of refer- 
 ence to them. Only the other day I had a long chat 
 with one of my old Masonic friends, who has been a 
 Mason over fifty-eight years. I can boast of three 
 more, initiated respectively in 1833, 1834, and 1835, and 
 a fifth who has passed very nearly sixty years since his 
 initiation. The pleasing recollections of one's Masonic 
 life, hand in hand, as it were, with veterans like these, 
 can scarcely be fully understood. I have a profound 
 reverence for the venerable patriarchs to whom all old 
 lodges owe so much, and I have invariably found, where 
 they are properly appreciated, I could always expect to 
 find a well-conducted lodge. Under a modern "fast" 
 rdgime that prevails in some lodges, I have sometimes, 
 but rarely, found them shelved and ignored ; but no 
 greater mistake can be made by any lodge than this. 
 Every year, alas ! those dear old faces we now so 
 lovingly welcome at our lodges, and whose greatest 
 pleasure is to talk of old times and old-fashioned 
 Masonry with its (to them) superior attractions and in- 
 dissoluble friendships — these, the workers of the less 
 
THE YORKSHIRE LODGES. . 119 
 
 known but more interesting past, are diminishing; and 
 in a very few more years nothing but the warm hearts, 
 the friendly counsel, and the bright genial countenance, 
 will be left to us to remember and cherish when our 
 lodge knows them no more ! It is true they are not all 
 uniformly reliable as to Masonic history, but even this is 
 not so much their fault as a misfortune chiefly due to a 
 want of due appreciation of its importance by the craft 
 during their time. But respecting lodge life and customs, 
 and as a help in tracing lost warrants or formerly existing 
 documents, their services cannot be over-estimated at the 
 present day. Let us not forget that though we shall 
 always have aged Masons, when the present gradually 
 dwindling band is gone it cannot be replaced ; for the 
 workers of a rougher and more crucial period will have 
 departed for ever!