The Ashley Hill Lodge was originally based in Maidenhead Berkshire, before it moved to it’s current location at The Berkshire Masonic Centre, Sindlesham, Wokingham. This is where we now hold our regular meetings, and also our LOI. The Consecration of Ashley Hill took place on the 18th April 1963, and was performed by R.W Bro Lt Col R.H Ingham Clarke, Prov. G.M at the old Maidenhead Masonic Hall, High Town Road, Maidenhead.

The name of our lodge was chosen due to some of the lodge founders, who lived in sight of a high wooded area in Maidenhead known locally as “Ashley Hill”. So it was decided that this would be a suitable name for the new lodge. This local land mark is also depicted on our Lodge Banner, which further information on it’s concepts and design are available from our web-site.

Back then the founders wished to attract members into the lodge of a mature personal and business standing. Like themselves, they would not feel the need for prolonged proceedings, either in the lodge or at the Festive board.

Keen brethren, in the early days, started a class of instruction. This was not only to maintain the founders’ particular procedures, but to also encourage the brethren to mix freely and informally. This still forms an important & integral part of the Lodge today, with many brethren regularly attending the class of instruction. Thus ensuring that the high standard of Freemasonry Ashley Hill is renowned for is maintained; and constantly improved.

The lodge also has an informal connection with a French lodge which begun when an early initiate, had a chance to meet with the secretary of a French Lodge at Lille in 1972.

As a matter of interest to Brethren the “early initiate” is actually W Bro John Crowther, who actually started the French connection. He was also instrumental in starting and playing an important role in the class of instruction.