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Somerset Lodges
warranted 1837 |
Meeting at The Masonic Hall Wells BA5 2PA |
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The ancient City of Wells, nestling at the foot of the Mendip Hills 20 miles to the south of Bristol, is the smallest city in England having a population of approximately 10,000. The city takes its name from five fresh water springs, or wells, behind the magnificent twelfth century Cathedral. These are the source of water that can still be seen running down the high street gutters and which in times past helped keep the town smelling sweet! Today the West Front of the Cathedral is reputed to be amongst the best in Europe, and is a beautiful sight on a sunny summer's evening. Close by the Cathedral is the Bishops Palace, the official residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, which is surrounded by a moat. The swans, which inhabit the moat, have long delighted visitors by ringing a small bell situated on the gatehouse over the moat to ask for food. Freemasonry has been associated with Wells since the year 1788 when the Lodge of Unanimity no.473 was formed, and met in various locations in the City until its dissolution in 1809. In 1837 the Swan Lodge of Benevolence was consecrated, meeting first at the Swan Hotel and later at the Town Hall. The name was changed to Benevolent Lodge in 1841. In 1892 it moved into premises rented from the Cathedral, first the Vicars Hall until 1917, then 10, Cathedral Green, where it remained for eighty years until 1997, when it moved to its new Lodge room above the West Cloister. |
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