Masonic Order of Athelstan

Official Opening of The Order of Athelstan Room at York Minster

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:07:53 +0000

A formal ceremony recently marked the celebration of a significant charitable partnership between the Masonic Order of Athelstan (via the King Athelstan Memorial Foundation) and the York Minster Fund. The event was held to officially dedicate and open “The Order of Athelstan Room” (Accommodation Module No. 6) in York.

A Center of Excellence for Young Apprentices

This newly constructed facility has been designed to provide high-quality housing for young apprentices, stonemasons, joiners, and building tech trainees focusing on heritage skills. The module will also welcome international visitors from global cathedral partners, allowing them to live and work together in a manner that reflects the historic operative masons’ lodges.

During the ceremony, representatives of the Order presented a donation check to Kate Burch, Head of Fundraising and Development for the York Minster Fund, to financially support this vital project.

Historical Significance: 1,100 Years Since 926

Keynote speakers highlighted the immense historical resonance that the city of York holds for the Order. In the year 926, King Athelstan’s half-brother, Prince Edwin, summoned a general assembly of operative masons right here in York. It was during this historic assembly that the Ancient Charges—which regulated the craft and morals of medieval stonemasons—were first established. This opening serves as a timely prelude to the upcoming 1,100th anniversary of that monumental milestone.

During the ceremony, representatives of the Order presented a donation check to Kate Burch, Head of Fundraising and Development for the York Minster Fund, to financially support this vital project.

International Presence and a Touch of Fate

The gathering featured a strong international presence, with distinguished guests traveling from England, Wales, and Greece, including the Grand Master from the National Grand Lodge of Greece.

A lighter and memorable moment of the ceremony was shared regarding how Accommodation Module No. 6 was chosen to bear the Order’s name. The organizer recounted a morning visit to the active construction site where he noticed a painter’s ladder leaning against the wall. The ladder formed a perfect letter “A”, which he took as an instant sign that Module 6 was destined to become the “Order of Athelstan Room”.

The event concluded with an official ribbon-cutting, followed by a guided tour of the newly completed accommodation module for the VIP guests.

During the ceremony, representatives of the Order presented a donation check to Kate Burch, Head of Fundraising and Development for the York Minster Fund, to financially support this vital project.

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Ceremony of the Ancient Charges 2025

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0000

The annual Ceremony of the Ancient Charges was held at Castlegate Masonic Hall, York on Friday 20 June 2025 during the York 1100 events.

The ceremony was attended by the Most Worshipful Grand Master and members of the Order from across the UK in the largest gathering to date, with MW Bro John Prizeman, Pro GM of the Mark Degree, as Guest of Honour.

A highly successful evening was rounded off with an excellent festive board at which MW Bro Prizeman expressed his great delight at the evnts of the weekend.

Grand Conservator of Charges RWBro Dr Chris Ansell PAGM said “The Ancient Charges ceremony celebrates and commemorates the legendary assembly of masons at York in 926, which is a core element of the ethos of the Masonic Order of Athelstan and a part of “masonic folklore”. It is hugely gratifying to see so many Athelstan brethren make the journey to York to support this unique occasion.”

The ceremonial occurs only at York and on the third Friday in June each year, and makes use of masonic working tools which were expertly hand made for the ceremonial by Bro David Kirwan.

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York 1100 – June 20-21 2025

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 09:00:55 +0000

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ESPECIAL ASSEMBLY OF GRAND COURT

admin — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:00:00 +0000

Held on Saturday, 6th July 2024 at Mark Masons’ Hall, London.

The members of the Order gathered in force at the prestigious Mark Masons’ Hall in London to celebrate a momentous occasion in our Order’s history.

The Most Worshipful Grand Master, MW Bro. Paul W. Johnston, GCAG, presided over the inspiring ceremonials, where he was delighted to Invest and Install the following distinguished Brethren into their new roles:

RW Bro. Charles J. Aspinell, GCAG as Deputy Grand Master
RW Bro. Lionel B. Mee, GCAG as Assistant Grand Master
RW Bro. Mark P. Donovan, KCAG as Provincial Grand Master for Sussex

The enthusiasm and pride radiating from the packed Grand Temple bore testament to the high esteem in which these exemplary Brethren are held. Their dedicated service and unwavering commitment to our noble Order are truly deserving of our heartfelt congratulations.

This ceremony marks a significant milestone, ushering in a new era of leadership that will undoubtedly propel our Order to even greater heights. We extend our warmest wishes to the newly Invested and Installed Brethren, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact they will undoubtedly have on the future of our revered institution.

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RW Bro Brian Anthony Vickers

admin — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 09:00:38 +0000

RW Bro Brian Anthony Vickers, KCAG

Past Provincial Grand Master for Essex

Passed 13 June 2024

Requiescat in Pace

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Athelstan 1100

admin — Fri, 03 May 2024 09:00:50 +0000

The Athelstan 1100 project commemorates and celebrates the 1100th anniversary of Athelstan becoming king and his very special relationship with Malmesbury. The ‘Athelstan 1100’ website contains some very interesting information and details of the events planned.

The Order, through the King Athelstan Memorial Foundation (KAMF) is supporting two permanent projects as part of the celebrations:

Athelstan Museum: A permanent tablet-based screen in the main museum area to allow them to show high quality images of original Athelstan documents being supplied by Cambridge University. The facility will remain on permanent display after the celebrations
Malmesbury Town Team: The addition of an ‘Athelstan and Malmesbury Trail’ to Explore Malmesbury (www.exploremalmesbury.com). This will work as a permanent free visitor attraction and promotion resource for Malmesbury – the trail can be accessed 24/7 in Malmesbury and worldwide – and deliver a sustainable record of Athelstan 1100 and Athelstan’s relationship with Malmesbury.

Both projects will record the support received from the KAMF and the Masonic Order of Athelstan, and along with the replica Athelstan Sword already in the museum create a long-lasting legacy.

A diary of planned events taking place as part of the Athelstan 1100 celebrations can be found here.

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