Freemasons in the family - tips?

[scottcharles]

I've been told that my grandfather may have been the treasurer for the Kent freemasons in Chatham. I have emailed both of the Kent offices, but I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas for chasing freemason leads?
Many thanks,
Scott

[Rod In Sussex]

Scott

Most counties have a "provincial" lodge that overseas the local lodges. Since Victorian times most Provincial Lodges have produced a year book with details of local lodges and secretaries. The "Province Grand Lodge" of Kent have an interesting museum near the West Gate of Canterbury and would no doubt help if you got in contact, but I do not have there address.

In the UK there is also the "United Grand Lodge" that overseas the running of freemasonry in England, who are based at Great Queens Street London. they have an extensive library and museum and would probably have any years books you need. The library is free to use and the staff are very helpful, but it is best to contact them a week before you go so they can have things ready for you

Good Luck

Rod

[Jillie42]

Scott,

do you know where he is buried? I only ask because whilst we were on holiday in Scotland we visited the local graveyard ( bizarre I know but it's become a hobby since I started family research).

One of the graves was of a freemason. It had the square and compass insignia on it but it also had his lodge number and which lodge he belonged to.

Can't say I've ever come across this before and I've no idea if it's usual for a freemason's grave to carry so much info but it might be worth you going to have a look at your ancestor's grave.

Jillie

[Maggott]

Hi  I traced my Mason relation by using the Freemason's own website.  It lists Lodges & contact details so you can discover which is the appropiate Lodge & get in touch.  I found them tremendously helpful - & I was trying to trace someone who had lived abroad- and not at all mysterious.
Go for it
Good luck
Maggott

[scottcharles]

Scott,

do you know where he is buried? I only ask because whilst we were on holiday in Scotland we visited the local graveyard ( bizarre I know but it's become a hobby since I started family research).

One of the graves was of a freemason. It had the square and compass insignia on it but it also had his lodge number and which lodge he belonged to.

Can't say I've ever come across this before and I've no idea if it's usual for a freemason's grave to carry so much info but it might be worth you going to have a look at your ancestor's grave.

Jillie

I think he may have a freemason grave, I'm not completely sure though as my father had only seen the grave once and you know, people tend to lean on given information when they're not sure and create memories.
I'm planning on going to have a look myself soon as I know the grave number and the burial site, thanks for the hint, I didn't know that they had special graves.