11/10/2018
A rare view of the back our Memorial Casket here at Freemasons' Hall, which contains the Roll of Honour: a continuous scroll listing those who fell during the First World War.
Designed by Freemason Walter Gilbert, the intricate and beautiful decorations symbolise peace and the attainment of eternal life. Taking the form of a bronze casket resting on an ark among reeds, the boat is indicative of a journey that has come to an end.
At the four corners guarding the scroll are kneeling figures representing each of the armed services. At the four corners of the body winged seraphs stand ready with trumpets to herald the arrival of pilgrims, alongside the national patron saints.
The back of the Shrine (shown here and out of public view since originally installed) is decorated with sprays of flowers. The sides depict sweet-smelling acacia, the sacred wood of the Temple.
Other decorations include the shell of the pilgrim, the laurels and bays of the warrior, rosemary for remembrance, and the lotus of eternal life in the prow of the boat conveying the souls on their voyage.
