The Library and Museum is the repository for the archives of United Grand Lodge of England and Supreme Grand Chapter. Archive material is available for consultation (subject to conservation requirements) and includes material on local and provincial lodges. To minimise waiting times, it is advisable to telephone in advance of any visit on 020 7395 9258 so that staff can have material available for you.

Information about the archives is contained in the leaflet Exploring Masonic Records: Antients and Moderns which is available from the Library and Museum or can be seen by clicking here in large print or download here in pdf format.

The records of United Grand Lodge of England include membership registers dating from the 18th century. It may be possible to establish that a person was a Freemason, to provide the name of the lodge in which he was initiated, or of which he became a joining member, and his age, profession and place of residence at that date. No other personal details are recorded. However the Registers are incomplete and some or all of these details may be lacking. It may be difficult to make any positive identification, particularly if little or no background information is supplied.

Membership Registers cannot be made available to individuals to conduct their own searches due to the conservation needs of the records.

Requests for family history and genealogical information should be addressed to the Senior Assistant Librarian with a copy of the genealogical enquiries form and the appropriate fee.

Search fee (for each individual name):
        Where no lodge name or number is known £30 (£15 for members)
        This fee is not refundable in the event of a negative result.
Cheques should be made payable to the Library and Museum Charitable Trust

Your request will be acknowledged and research takes between 8-10 weeks.

You can find out how to contact us here.

A small number of research resources are available on line at this site in addition to the catalogue of books, archives and objects. These can be found in Resources.

The catalogue can be searched on-line here.
(Please note that the catalogue will be unavailable Monday to Friday from approximately 2am - 5am 'British time' while the system is backed up).