Worcestershire Masonic Library and Museum
Free museum and library of Freemasonry in Worcester with manuscripts, jewels, regalia and ceramics; open on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The collection began in the late nineteenth century with George Taylor, a Worcester Freemason, who organised a Masonic exhibition at the Guildhall that drew over 1,000 loaned items. The province bought his collection soon afterwards at cost, and the first catalogue, compiled with the scholar William James Hughan, appeared in 1891. Later additions include a large group of Masonic medals from continental Europe acquired in the 1920s and about 250 pieces of porcelain and pottery bought in 1927.
The library and museum belongs to the Provincial Grand Lodge of Worcestershire. A general committee was formed in 1912 and the museum became a registered charity in 1996. It was the first Masonic museum in England to receive Accreditation, in 2009, and it was re-accredited by Arts Council England in 2013. The museum space was enlarged in 2006.
Today the collection holds more than 5,500 documents, 9,000 books and publications and 6,000 jewels, medals and tokens, together with pictures, glass, ceramics, aprons and clothing. Highlights include several old manuscripts of the Ancient Charges and a copy of Anderson's Constitutions of 1723. It is based in the Masonic Hall on Rainbow Hill, and non-Masons are welcome.
Highlights
- Old manuscripts of the Ancient Charges, including the Wood, Inigo Jones and Lechmere versions
- Original copy of Anderson's Constitutions of the Free-Masons (1723)
- Large collection of engraved glass and Masonic ceramics
- Historic Masonic medals, jewels and regalia
- Reference library laid out as a Masonic meeting room
Permanent exhibitions
- George Taylor Room – Displays on various Masonic topics, including Royal Worcester porcelain and other pottery decorated with Masonic symbols.
- John Davies Room – Rare books and manuscripts, porcelain and jewels, including four copies of the Old Charges and a 1723 copy of Anderson's Constitutions.
- John Hart Room – A reference library arranged as a fully equipped Masonic meeting room that visitors can explore, with regalia and display cabinets.
- Operated by
- Worcestershire Masonic Library and Museum Trust
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum states that it can accommodate visitors with disabilities. No further details are published.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Bus stop outside the museum (number 35)
Worcester Foregate Street and Worcester Shrub Hill stations are each about half a mile away. The number 35 bus (First Midland) between Worcester bus station, Warndon and Blackpole stops immediately outside.
By car
Free parking
Free off-road parking at the Masonic Hall.
The Masonic Hall is at the junction of Rainbow Hill and Lansdowne Crescent.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
On-site catering is available for larger parties.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | A guide meets visitors on arrival once the visit has been confirmed with the curator. Rare and valuable items are kept at a secure off-site store and can be seen if requested before the visit. Coach parties are welcome. |
