Bro Francesco Toto outside the Masonic Halls in Knaresborough and Ripton
Working in a Pharmacy, makes me look at the world passing by.
Sun, Rain, Wind, Hail, I am in a shop in a routine which, makes you think “Where did it end, all the enjoyment”?
Work, comes first, but Freemasonry gave me something that nothing else can give: Freedom!
I spend a few nights a week in a Lodge room, mainly in East Lancashire. However, when I travel I always, by coincidence or by searching, end up outside a Masonic Hall. It’s an immediate reaction to take a picture, capture the memory and if open, try to sneak in and breath the history of the place.
Today I was with my Partner in Knaresborough, and straight away, seconds after parking the car, the Masonic Hall was there, beautiful and perfect like only a temple can be. There is something about those buildings, it does matter what is happening in the world, I immediately feel safe.
Knaresborough Masonic Hall, at the very northerly end of the County, is the home of two Craft Lodges, the oldest of which is Knaresborough Priory Lodge No. 4171, which was consecrated in 1920, celebrated its centenary only few years ago.
The Trinitarian Priory of the Holy Trinity and St Robert, from which the Knaresborough Priory Lodge takes its name, was founded in the 1252. It suffered heavily during battles with Scotland in 1318 and was eventually dissolved in 1538.
Forest of Knaresborough Lodge No. 7452, which features very prominently placed Masonic symbolism above its entrance, meets on the 3rd Friday of every month except July & August.
We decided, as the weather was on our side, bright and sunny, to take a drive not far to visit another Lodge. The final choice fell on Ripon, and even here, the Hall was lovely. Right on the road, and even if the location wasn’t the quietest, the Hall was shining in its own light.
Nestled in the charming town of Ripon, the Ripon Masonic Hall is a delightful spot that adds to the area’s rich tapestry of history and culture. This historic venue, located on Water Skellgate, invites visitors to explore its unique architecture and warm atmosphere.
The Lodge was opened by Dispensation in 1860. Six of its Founders had been members of a Lodge called the ‘Verity’ No. 681, which operated from 1839 to 1849, and of them, four had occupied the Chair of that Lodge.
Twenty-five years previously, an older Lodge called ‘The Royal Oak’ No. 412 at the time of the Union of the Grand Lodges in 1813, had ceased existence. This old Lodge was opened under a Constitution granted by the Grand Lodge of All England, York, in the year 1769, and met at The Royal Oak Inn, Kirkgate, Ripon. The Lodge celebrated its 150th Anniversary in 2010. Meetings are held regularly on the 1st Friday of each month (except January & August).
It was right outside this Masonic Hall in Ripon, that I had the idea of writing about those little trips, those little gems, because adventures are made to be shared like a nice platter in the middle of the table. Otherwise, they will only remain memories which will fade
Story by Bro Francesco Toto
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