The Aim and Scope of the Project.

The Historical Records Survey was launched by Lord Northampton, the Pro Grand Master, at the end of 2007. The scheme aims to compile a comprehensive survey in questionnaire format of all lodge and chapter records in England and Wales as part of an assessment of what historical resources are available both within and outside the Craft to develop a better picture of the role Freemasonry has played in social history. The survey will cover lodges and chapters currently working and also erased lodges and chapters. It is intended that the questionnaires will be completed by Summer 2009.

Although the historical importance of the orders beyond the Craft and the Royal Arch is recognised, this survey will only be undertaken amongst Craft lodges and Royal Arch Chapters.

The project will supplement information from Masonic sources via this survey with records held centrally and in local or national archives.

It is hoped that the information provided by the survey will encourage individual members to become involved in undertaking historical research, reinvigorate research lodges and associations and encourage greater links between freemasons and history societies in local communities. 2017 is the 300th anniversary of the formation of the first Grand Lodge. This survey will contribute towards the production of a tercentenary history to mark that occasion, involving and educating members and improving the public’s understanding of freemasonry.

It is intended that a copy of the completed survey will be retained by the UGLE Library and Museum. A copy will be provided to the National Register of Archives (which is maintained at The National Archives and contains information on the nature and location of manuscripts and historical records that relate to British history) and available to the general public. However, the individual lodge or chapter will always retain control of who has access to their records. Provincial offices will be provided with a copy of the survey for their province.

The Forms.

Forms can be completed in spreadsheet or individual form.

Returns may be summarized using an Excel spreadsheet, this is the method that UGLE would prefer,  click here to download it. The spreadsheet has macros to help you with choices. You will need to have an Excel macro security setting of 'Medium' to allow you to choose to run macros (Tools/macros/security). Instructions on using the Excel spreadsheet  may be downloaded by clicking here. An example filled sheet may be downloaded by clicking here. It is recommended you read these prior using the Excel spreadsheet.

The individual (manual) returns can be printed and completed by hand or edited as a Word document. To download a manual summary form for each lodge/chapter click here, to download an individual item record form click here, to download  examples of  completed manual forms click here. To download guidance on completing the manual forms click here.

There have been three newsletters from the United Grand Lodge of England, click here for May 2008,  June 2008 and  July 2008. The next newsletter will be late September.

Further information can be obtained from the Provincial Library and Museum at Canterbury.

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