Severn Street Masonic Hall

Severn Street Masonic Hall is a Grade II listed building that is a very important part of the architectural heritage of the city. Severn Street was originally in an area called the Froggery, a poorly drained, marshy area. In the 18th and 19th century it was a poor, slum area populated by thieves, crooks and prostitutes living in tenement blocks. 

On 29th November 1858, Athol Lodge bought the Severn Street Synagogue and opened it as its Masonic Hall and permanent meeting place. The Dining Room and ante-rooms were added by Henry Nadan between 1871 and 1874 and built by a local builder called Moffat. The Masons were careful to preserve the historical tradition of the building by adding ‘Maginei David’, Hebrew for Stars of David, affixed to the top of each of the pillars. There are five-sided Masonic stars on the two ornate fireplaces (five-sided to refer to the five points of fellowship), as well as magnificent gilt overmantel mirrors. These allow the whole interior to refer to the two original functions – Synagogue and Masonic Hall. After every meeting Masons use this Dining Room to hold a meal or ‘festive board’. 

Freemasonry is not a secret society, but it is a society with secrets. Visitors will have a guided tour of the buildings by members of Athol Masonic Lodge No. 74 which is one of the oldest masonic lodges in the country.

Additional information:

It is important that visitors visit our website beforehand to give them an idea of who we are and what we do. We all answer any questions about freemasonry during and at the end of your tour. The guides are volunteers who are members of the Athol Masonic Lodge.

In view of the precarious situation with the Covid pandemic, it is an absolute condition of entry that all visitors, including children, must wear face masks when entering the building and during the tours of the buildings.

Date & Time Sun 19 Sept | 11am–4pm Max 6 people per tour/session. Tours are 30 minutes. Location Athol Masonic building, 60 Severn Street, B1 1QG Cost Free Booking Booking preferred Book via Email Access There is limited wheelchair access on site but must be notified beforehand in order that we can make the necessary arrangements. In view of the precarious situation with the Covid pandemic, it is an absolute condition of entry that all visitors, including children, must wear face masks when entering the building and during the tours of the buildings. Severn Street Masonic Hall is adjacent to the ”The Mailbox and approximately 400 metres from Birmingham New Street Station. Parking is available under The Mailbox. Website