Masonic Hall, Duncombe Place

The Masonic Hall is a historic building on Duncombe Place in York, in England. The building was designed by the architect John Edwin Gates member of the York Lodge and the interior of the Lodge room was designed by J Barton-Wilson, a fellow Freemason from London. The Foundation Stone was laid in the North East corner of the Lodge Room by the Worshipful Master, William Lawton, on the 8th September 1862, into which was placed a jar containing mementos. Construction was completed in 1863 with consecration taking place on June 2nd. It was subsequently altered in 1866, with the front elevation being taken down and rebuilt 12 feet further forward. This allowed the extension of the Banqueting Room on the first floor, the original winding staircase was replaced with the current square staircase, and the original porch way entrance was moved to its current position. A large extension was added in the early 20th century. to provide offices and accommodation for a caretaker. The hall is of two storeys, with a basement beneath. The original building, including the masonic hall itself, is of grey brick, while the extension is red brick. The entrance is now through the extension. The front has a moulding depicting masonic symbols. The library has 18th century panelling and a fireplace of similar date

The building was transferred to the Duncombe Place Masonic hall Charitable Trust in 1993 with the aim To preserve for the benefit of the City of York and the nation at large the freehold premises, situate and known as "The Masonic Hall, Duncombe Place" in the City of York. The building is host to several masonic lodges, including Albert Victor Lodge 2328, and to York Lodge 236 the oldest Masonic Lodge in York today, which was founded as the Union Lodge in 1777. From 1806, the lodge was based at 7 Little Blake Street, but that property was demolished when Duncombe Place was constructed, and the current hall was then built. The building is the oldest purpose-built masonic hall in the city. The building was grade II listed in 1997.