United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and Districts overseas.
The Premier Grand Lodge, which became the United Grand Lodge of England, was founded at the Goose and Gridiron Pub in London in 1717.
UGLE is the governing body for a membership organisation of
175,000 people meeting in more than 7,000 Lodges across the globe. Membership
is open to any man over the age of 18 irrespective of their background, race or
religion, with students also able to join a University Scheme Lodge.
UGLE’s headquarters are at Freemasons’ Hall, a stunning Grade II* listed Art Deco building that proudly stands on Great Queen Street in Covent Garden, London.
UGLE is led by the Grand Master, HRH The
Duke of Kent, who was elected more than 50 years ago and is now the
longest-serving Grand Master. The
Pro Grand Master, who acts for him when his Royal duties supervene, is Jonathan
Spence.
UGLE has 48
Provinces within England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. The geography of Provinces is roughly based
on the old county boundaries and each Province is presided over by a Provincial
Grand Master, who is assisted by various Provincial officers.
Some of the many roles within a Province include a Provincial Charity Steward who looks after their charity activities. There’s also a Provincial Membership Officer who leads on recruitment and engagement of members, and a Provincial Communications Officer who leads the Provincial Communications team.
In addition to the Provinces in England and
Wales, United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) has 32 active Districts and four
Groups that are located overseas. Burma and Pakistan are dormant Districts as
Freemasonry is banned in these countries.
A District Grand Lodge is the overseas
equivalent of a Provincial Grand Lodge, but is headed by a District Grand
Master. A Grand Inspector heads each of the four Groups of Lodges.
UGLE also has eight NUD (not under a District) Lodges spread across the world and these units report direct to London.
With a global membership across five continents, UGLE has approximately 20,000 members belonging to its overseas Lodges.
Freemasons Hall
Knole Road
Bournemouth
BH1 4DH
United Kingdom