History, Herefordshire and Michael Holland

A recent meeting of Lodge of the Marches, an old and historic lodge in South Shropshire, saw a very special presentation made. The lodge recently moved out of its Brand Lane premises, and three framed items from the walls there were given to Michael Holland, the Provincial Grand Master of Herefordshire by his Shropshire counterpart, Roger Pemberton.

The framed Provincial Grand Master’s apron and chain belonged at one time to Rev. Joseph J. Bowles, Provincial Grand Master of Herefordshire from 1848 to 1879. They had found their way to Ludlow as Rev. Bowles had been a much admired Vicar of Stanton Lacy in Shropshire (a ‘living’ recorded as worth £574 in Victorial times). The Lodge of the Marches decided that the most appropriate place for the items was back South of the border, and so invited Right Worshipful Brother Michael Holland to receive them.

Two additional items included a framed set of collar jewels for a Worshipful Master and his Wardens, dating from the 18th century Silurian Lodge 485, The Jewels were of silver, and were the work of a lady silversmith.

Silurian Lodge 576 met at the Sun Inn, Kington in Herefordshire from 1791 (the King’s Head from 1794), and like many lodges of the time lasted only a few years. By 1801 the lodge was failing, and divided up its possessions - the Warrant and Jewels being sold for about 21 guineas in 1804 and fetching up in Ludlow. It is worth noting that the name was also recycled - Silurian Lodge in Newport, Monmouthshire was established in 1841 and still meets under the number 471…

The third item presented to Right Worshipful Brother Holland was the original Warrant of Silurian Lodge 576. To the lay reader this may appear less interesting, but Masonic historians will sit up when it is explained that it is signed by Thomas Dunckerley - one of the most famous names in early Freemasonry, and a leading figure in Masonry in Bristol and other areas of the Marches and West Country.

The presentations were graciously received by RWBro Holland. As many Freemasons in South Shropshire are frequent visitors to the Province of Herefordshire, we are sure that these particular parts of our shared history will remain for their interest and that of future generations.