Freemasonry is often misunderstood, but at its heart, it’s about helping men become better men. The core principles of our fraternity—brotherly love, relief, and truth—are not just abstract ideas; they are guides for how we live our lives. We learn to be better citizens, to show compassion to others, and to live with unwavering integrity. Our meetings and ceremonies provide a space for members to reflect on these values, building a stronger moral character and a more positive outlook. Through our shared experiences, we build strong bonds of friendship and support, creating a network of trusted brothers who are always there for one another, in good times and in bad.
Charity is also a cornerstone of Freemasonry. It’s a fundamental tenet of our fraternity, and we’re incredibly proud of the work we do both as a collective and through the generous donations of our individual members. In the UK, Freemasons are one of the largest contributors to charitable causes, second only to the National Lottery. This spirit of giving is a key part of life at the Royal Brunswick Lodge. We are proud to support local causes, helping to make a real, tangible difference right here in Brighton and Sussex. Our generous members have enabled us to contribute to significant local projects, from purchasing essential sensory equipment for a special needs child to providing much-needed rehabilitation equipment for a student at King’s School in Hove.
While we are part of the larger network of Freemasonry—falling under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Sussex and the United Grand Lodge of England—the Royal Brunswick Lodge has a character all its own. Consecrated in 1856, our lodge number, 732, places us among the oldest and most traditional lodges in the country. Our unique ceremonies are steeped in this rich history, carrying a certain gravitas and elegance that you won’t find anywhere else. Our visitors often remark on the distinct and impressive nature of our ritual work, a testament to the dedication of our members to preserving these traditions.
However, our history is just the beginning. The real heart of RBL is our members. We’re a diverse group—young and old, from different nationalities, with careers spanning from business ownership to construction to technology. Our small size fosters a genuine sense of family and camaraderie, where every member is valued and known. We’re a lodge where you’ll be greeted by name and where the friendships extend far beyond our six official meetings a year at the Brighton Masonic Centre. We’ve built a community that supports one another through life’s challenges and celebrates its successes together. Unlike larger lodges where it can sometimes feel formal or distant, our members truly feel like a brotherhood.
Life at the Royal Brunswick Lodge is about more than just our official meetings and the dinner that follows, known as the festive board. We’re a very social lodge, and our calendar is filled with a variety of fun, informal events throughout the year. These range from a casual fish and chips and a pint at a local pub to family-friendly barbecues and picnics, allowing members to spend time together in a relaxed setting. These social occasions are a key part of our lodge life, providing a perfect opportunity for members to get to know each other and for their families to socialise.
One of the most unique aspects of our lodge is our long-standing twinning relationship with two French lodges—one in Toulon and another in Lyon. We regularly take turns visiting each other’s lodges and cities, which has become a wonderful family trip for everyone involved. These special visits have created a deep bond of international friendship and are a highlight of our yearly programme. The trips are not only a chance to engage in Freemasonry abroad but also to experience new cultures and build lasting friendships with our French brothers.
The Royal Brunswick Lodge offers a fulfilling combination of rich tradition, genuine friendship, and active community life. We are confident that you will find a warm welcome and a rewarding journey with us.