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Kent Museum of Freemasonry
The Kent Museum of Freemasonry in Canterbury is a hidden treasure which boasts a rare collection of exhibits of national and international importance and has probably the finest collection of Masonic material in the UK outside of London.
Whether you are a curious browser looking for something interesting and unusual to do in Canterbury, a serious student of freemasonry or simply interested in the history of the city and the county there is plenty to interest you, your family and friends.
Amongst the exhibits of Masonic ephemera you will also find a fine collection of anthropological paintings, glassware and porcelain, along with historical documents and other presentation items, many of which are explained in greater detail through audio-visual displays. Incorporated into the fabric of the building you will discover the unique 19th Century stained glass windows which originally adorned the old Freemasons' Hall in London and the solid oak entrance doors from St Mary's College, part of the Jesuit Monastery which once stood in Hales Place Canterbury.
Visit us and you will find a comprehensive history of freemasonry, from its inception through to the present time, with special emphasis on Kent, its lodges and their origins. As well as themed displays such as Notable Kent Freemasons and Masonic Military Heroes, other topical exhibitions are hosted throughout the year, details of which can be found on the website. There is even an interactive section where children can try on masonic aprons and other regalia or design their own banners.
Alongside the museum and shop, which sells items of Masonic interest, sits an extensive library which is open for reference use. It contains a comprehensive collection of printed books and manuscripts on Freemasonry and other friendly organisations in Kent, Great Britain and beyond and covers all Masonic orders through the ages. It also has one of the largest collections of genealogy books in the south east.
key
Prices
Free entry
Opening details
| Season Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Thu 3 Jan 2013 - Tue 24 Dec 2013 | Mon - Sun 10:00 to 16:00 |
| Christmas Day, Boxing Day | closed |
| Notes | The museum is normally open from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week. However if you are travelling from further afield please check before setting out on a long journey. |
Image GalleryContact
Kent Museum of FreemasonryTel: 01227 785625
masonicmuseum@btinternet.com
www.eastkentfreemasons.org/library-museum
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Camping & touringVenue
Kent Museum of FreemasonrySt. Peters Place, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2DA
www.eastkentfreemasons.org/library-museum
See location on Google maps.Map reference: TR 145579 Lat: 51.27984 Long: 1.07428
Adjacent to 'Canterbury City Centre, St Peters Place (Sw Bound)' bus stop.
There is ample public car parking nearby and Park and Ride is also available around the city.
Accessible by Public Transport : 1 mile (1.6 kms) from Canterbury East/West station
On site catering by prior arrangement.
Also at this venue
Kent Museum of FreemasonrySelf-assessed accessibility details
Parking
- The surface of the car park and pathway leading to entrance:
is solid- Drop-off point for guests outside entrance
- The route from the parking area to the entrance:
- Is flat (i.e. without steps)
Entrance
- Entrance is well lit
Public Areas
- Level access (no steps/thresholds) or access by ramp or lift:
- From the entrance to reception / ticket area
- To a specially adapted public toilet suitable for wheelchair users
- To the gift shop
- Good contrast between the floor and walls
General
- Seating available for visitors with limited mobility
- Routes/pathways suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility
- Audible alarm system
