Elmley Castle Lodge No 6247

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Elmley Castle Lodge No 6247

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Elmley Castle Lodge No 6247 is a Craft Emulation Lodge - Meeting every 3rd Wednesday (Sept to April) Thus began the Golden Years of Elmley Castle’s History.

Lodge History

Elmley – the Name

In the later years of the 11th Century a Castle was built at the Manor of Elmley by the Lord of the Manor Robert D’Abitot. To avoid confusion between the Village and others of a similar title, the village became known as Elmley near the Castle which was, through time, shortened to just Elmley Castle. The village of Elmley is situated South-West of the Town of Evesham in Worcestershire. Parts of the present day church are contemporary with the Castle. On the death of Robert D’Abitot the Manor first passed to his brother, later to his niece Emmeline and subsequently to her Norman Husband, Walter de Beauchamp. Walter was already the holder of large estates and so the Beauchamp influence and holdings became vast throughout the whole of the Country. During the middle of the 12th Century the feudal barons tested their might against each other to defend or extend their influence. Elmley Castle stood firm and grew in importance becoming the principal seat of the Beauchamp Family receiving many visitors of great importance. With the increase in population due to the importance and enlargement of the Castle, the village church became unable to accommodate the ever increasing congregation and was enlarged during the 13th Century. The long reign of Henry III marked troubled times with increasing dissatisfaction of his alleged misrule. Knights and holders of land by feudal tenure, discontent with the conditions of homage and allegiance, rose to join in open conflict. One of the leading figures in this revolt was Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester. The battle of Evesham, 4th August 1265, was decisive in the fate of those who rose against the King. De Montfort’s army, weakened by the withdrawal of many supporters who felt the De Montfort’s reforms were going too far, had crossed the river Severn to the grounds of the Abbey at Evesham. Here in the Ox-bow of the river Avon they awaited reinforcement. De Montfort’s second son, also named Simon, was leading an army from London. Simon’s joy at seeing the banners of his second son’s army was short lived for Prince Edward , son of King Henry III, had ambushed that army before they reached Evesham and having stolen the banners now carried them at the head of the advancing forces. De Montfort’s army had been tricked. Finding themselves trapped on the low ground and out numbered by a superior army there was no escape being surrounded by water on three sides and the army of Prince Edward on the high ground before them. De Montfort was forced to charge uphill in a battle later described as “the murder of Evesham for a battle it was none”. Simon was killed and his army completely destroyed. He was buried beneath the altar in the Abbey at Evesham. He is now recognised as the pioneer of Representative Government. A fact recorded on the stone marking his death within the grounds of the Abbey remains. Many local buildings are named in his honour and Masonry has the Simon De Montfort Preceptory, meeting in the Evesham Masonic Temple. Whilst the village of Elmley gained from their loyalty towards the King, the same cannot be said for the Castle. On the death of William Beauchamp, his Son, another William inherited the Earldom of Warwick from his mother’s family, in or around 1267, where upon he proceeded to transfer the principal seat of the Beauchamp Family to Warwick Castle. From this time Elmley Castle suffered dire neglect. The 14th and 15th Centuries saw some attempt at repair but the glory days were never to return and the remains of the castle were removed to benefit other buildings amongst which is the old stone bridge across the river Avon at Pershore. Lodge History

Elmley Castle – Lodge No 6247 (Consecrated March 22nd 1946)

Aliis non Nobis – For Others Not Ourselves

The conception of a new lodge for Evesham was founded in the Abbot Lichfield Lodge. It was by way of response to concerns expressed at the ever increasing time taken within the lodge, for a candidate to progress from initiation to installation. Worshipful Brother Walter Craven, a past master of Abbot Lichfield Lodge, was very much to the forefront in the pursuit of a new lodge. He sought the opinions of fellow Masons and reported his findings to an officers meeting of Abbot Lichfield Lodge in January 1937. He reported that current requests for membership together with outstanding ceremonies in connection with passing and raising would not be cleared until 1939. He pointed out that there were also many within the Town and District who were anxious to join the Masonic Order and so it was agreed to pursue the formation of a new lodge. News that the Right Worshipful Brother General Sir Francis J. Davies, Deputy Grand Master, Provincial Grand Master of the Province of Worcestershire, had shown special interest in the formation of a new Lodge was the encouragement needed. However investigations and planning work in connection with this new lodge were halted by the outbreak of the Second World War. It was not until 1945 that circumstances allowed for the subject to again be considered at a meeting initiated by W Bro Craven. As a result of this meeting the Deputy Grand Master was approached and gave his blessing to the proposal at the same time consenting to the use of the name Elmley Castle Lodge. In the October of the same year the first founders meeting was called and W Bro A. Haynes was nominated as first Master of the new lodge. On November 8th 1945 the Worshipful Master Designate, through the Provincial Grand Secretary, petitioned the Most Worshipful Grand Master, The Earl of Harwood K.G., for a warrant to found a new lodge to be named “Elmley Castle Lodge”. This was granted on the 6th February 1946 Elmley Castle Lodge No 6247 was consecrated at Worcester on the 22nd March 1946 when, the Right Worshipful Brother, General Sir Francis Davis, Provincial Grand Master, with W Bro Alfred Allen, Deputy Grand Master and W Bro W. Harvey Gibbs, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, acted as principal consecrating officers assisted by other officers of Provincial Grand Lodge. It’s interesting to know that the Provincial Grand Tyler was paid one guinea for his services. The first candidate initiated into the lodge was Mr Frank Darricotte. He was proposed at the April meeting, which because the Masonic building had been occupied by the armed services during the war was held at the Northwick Hotel, Waterside, Evesham. He was elected by ballot and initiated at the same meeting. W Bro Frank went on to become Worshipful Master of the lodge in 1954 and again in 1967. The wisdom and knowledge of those who saw good reason for the formation of the lodge was proven when in only the fourth month of the lodges life, it was necessary to close the list to all new membership inquires, the numbers on record being more than the lodge could cope with. Now as then the actual number of members is restricted by the capacity of the Masonic Hall at Evesham. Both the Temple and the Dining Hall accommodate approximately 70 people. The Lodge celebrated the 500th Meeting in October 2008 and its encouraging knowing that with 59 subscribing members, and 4 honorary members, the lodge was in a similar position to that which prevailed at its foundation.

01/11/2026

The Worcestershire Freemasons Volunteers (WFV) are once again this year Marshalling the Mind Mental Elf Event.

Last year, more than 75 participants took part in the race, supported by over 40 fantastic volunteers. Together, we raised more than £7,000 for Worcestershire Mind, with the funds going directly towards supporting the Su***de Bereavement Service here in Worcestershire.

That achievement would not have been possible without the time, energy and commitment of our volunteers. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success.

This year, we want to build on that incredible foundation.

Mental Elf 2026 will take place on:

Sunday 29 November 2026

Sanders Park, Bromsgrove

The biggest change this year is our new venue. After holding last year’s event at Bodenham Arboretum in Wolverley, we are moving to Sanders Park in the heart of Bromsgrove. This is particularly meaningful for Worcestershire Freemasons, as Bromsgrove is also home to our Provincial Office.

Our ambitions for this year are bigger than ever:

* More than 200 race participants

* Over £20,000 raised for Worcestershire Mind

* An even greater positive impact across our local communities

To achieve this, we need as much support as possible from our registered Worcestershire Freemasons Volunteers.

If you are available to help on the day, please register using the link below:

https://worcestershirefreemasons.org/event/mental-elf-2026/

01/11/2026

23/10/2026

What a great evening was had by all including W.Bro Paul on his 50 years in masonry.

23/10/2026

22/10/2026

Our wonderful lodge will be hosting our Annual Ladies Dinner on 21st November at The Angel Inn, Pershore

This is a first come, first served seating with booking available for non-lodge members via the email below or by contacting us via this page.

These events are truly exceptional evenings and well executed.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in attending please reach out.

Further details for the evening are below.

22/10/2026

There are many reasons why someone becomes a Freemason, and then remains active within our organisation. We famously bring together those who would otherwise remain at "perpetual distance", and offer unique opportunities for self-development and personal growth. Interested? Join us on the journey of a lifetime: https://www.worcestershirefreemasons.com/how-to-join

22/10/2026

The launch of the Stephen Wyer Shield, Wythall Lodge narrowly won this last year with a magnificent effort, who will get the shield this year?

22/10/2026

A Diamond Celebration at Vernon Lodge – 60 Years of Freemasonry!

Sixty years of dedication, friendship and distinguished service celebrated in style at Vernon Lodge No. 560

Tuesday 20th October 2026 was a truly special evening at Vernon Lodge No. 560, as Brethren gathered to celebrate an extraordinary milestone in the Masonic life of W. Bro. Peter Bryan Cook, PProvJGW (Warwickshire), marking an incredible 60 years of loyal and distinguished service to Freemasonry.

The evening was made all the more memorable by the presence of V. W. Bro. Michael J. D***s, Grand Sword Bearer of the United Grand Lodge of England and Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Worcestershire, who attended to present Peter with his 60-Year Long Service Certificate on behalf of the Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Stephen John Wyer.

With W. Bro. David Bedford occupying the Master's Chair, the Lodge enjoyed a splendid evening of Freemasonry, including the Passing of Bro. Craig Anthony Thomas, before attention turned to honouring one of its most distinguished members.

A Diamond in More Ways Than One!

The celebrations began with W. Bro. David Bedford delivering a wonderfully warm, personal and humorous account of Peter's remarkable life.
Born in Birmingham on 12th August 1938, Peter attended King's School, Worcester, as a boarder before completing his education in Harborne, Birmingham.
His professional life began in the jewellery trade, training as a diamond ring maker and qualifying as a gemmologist — a rather fitting profession for a Brother celebrating his Masonic Diamond Jubilee!

Following National Service, during which he obtained a commission and served in Cyprus between 1959 and 1961, Peter established his own jewellery manufacturing business in 1962, working alongside his father.

In March 1963, Peter married his wife Sally, and more than 63 years later they are still together. They have two children, Mark and Clare, and four grandchildren.
In 1977, Peter opened Cornbow Jewellers in Halesowen, subsequently relocating the business to Bewdley in 1989 before retiring in 1999.

David's tribute included a particularly entertaining moment when he sought Peter's expert opinion on a supposedly valuable gemstone acquired at a bargain price. Unfortunately, Peter's professional assessment suggested that David might have been rather optimistic about his investment!

The Brethren thoroughly enjoyed the humour, which provided a fittingly light-hearted introduction to a very special presentation.

And, despite being born next to a golf course some 88 years ago, Peter is remarkably still enjoying the game today!

Six Decades of Remarkable Masonic Service
The Deputy Provincial Grand Master then delivered a fascinating and detailed account of Peter's extensive Masonic career, tracing a journey that began on 27th April 1966, when he was initiated into St Paul's Lodge No. 43, with his father serving as Junior Warden.

Peter went on to become Worshipful Master in 1979 and subsequently served as Treasurer for an impressive 15 years.

His enthusiasm for Freemasonry extended into the Mark Degree, joining St Paul's Mark Lodge No. 870 in 1972. He served as Master on three occasions and Treasurer for a further 10 years, eventually becoming an Honorary Member.

Following his move to Pound Green, near Bewdley, Peter joined Ribbesford Lodge in 1989, before eventually finding another Masonic home at Vernon Lodge on 17th April 2018.

In 2023, following his return to Stourbridge, he also joined Althumney Mark Lodge.
Across six decades, Peter's commitment has encompassed leadership, financial stewardship, friendship and unwavering support for the Craft and Mark Masonry.

A Presentation to Remember
The highlight of the evening came when V. W. Bro. Michael J. D***s formally presented Peter with his 60-Year Long Service Certificate, by command of the Provincial Grand Master, R. W. Bro. Stephen John Wyer.

Following the presentation, W. Bro. Scott Jones delivered the formal declaration, acknowledging Peter's: “60 years of long, loyal and distinguished service to Freemasonry in general and to this, the Vernon Lodge No. 560, in particular.”
The Brethren then rose to salute W. Bro. Peter Bryan Cook with Honours Three, providing a wonderfully fitting tribute to a Brother whose Masonic journey has spanned six decades.

It was a moment of immense pride, warmth and appreciation, recognising not simply the passing of time but a lifetime of dedication to the principles and fellowship of Freemasonry.

Sixty Years – And Still Going Strong!
There was something particularly appropriate about a former diamond specialist receiving his Diamond Jubilee certificate. After all, diamonds are renowned for their enduring qualities — and Peter has demonstrated precisely those qualities throughout his remarkable Masonic career.

Sixty years of Freemasonry. Sixty-three years of marriage. Eighty-eight years young. And still playing golf!
On behalf of the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Vernon Lodge No. 560, we extend our warmest congratulations to W. Bro. Peter Bryan Cook on this magnificent achievement.
Peter, thank you for your friendship, your service and your contribution to Freemasonry over the past 60 years. May you enjoy many more happy years in the Craft — and plenty more rounds on the golf course!
Congratulations, Peter!

Address

Masonic Rooms, Swan Lane
Evesham
WR114PD

Website

http://www.elmleycastlelodge.org/

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