Foreign Grand Lodges
Foreign Grand Lodges Recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England
A Grand Lodge is the governing body of Freemasonry within a particular territory, where territory usually means a country or state.
The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), which dates back to June 1717, is the oldest Grand Lodge and is universally regarded as the Mother Grand Lodge of organised Freemasonry. It was followed by the formation of the Grand Lodge of Ireland in 1725, the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1736, The Danish Order of Freemasons – Grand Lodge of Denmark in 1745 and the Grand East of the Netherlands in 1756. Some of the Grand Lodges listed on this page, especially those in Commonwealth Countries, are made up of Lodges that were originally under UGLE or the Grand Lodge of Ireland or the Grand Lodge of Scotland. Some of the Grand Lodges listed are relatively new, such as those from Eastern Europe, where Freemasonry was only re-established towards the end of the twentieth century.
The Grand Lodges listed on this page are those recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England. ‘Recognition’ in this very specific masonic sense of the word means that UGLE considers them to be regular in their practice of Freemasonry, in the way they were formed and that it would be happy for the respective members to intervisit with its own members.
Some countries have many Grand Lodges present within their borders but, generally speaking, UGLE will only recognise one Grand Lodge in a country/territory. Nevertheless, there are exceptions and it recognises two Grand Lodges in certain territories such as the US States, for specific and historical reasons. It should be noted however that where UGLE recognises two Grand Lodges in a specific territory, both Grand Lodges have amicably agreed to share the territory, albeit remaining as separate and sovereign entities in their own right.
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Members wishing to visit a Lodge under any of the recognised Grand Lodges listed on this page should get in touch with their Metropolitan, Provincial or District Grand Lodge office for specific advice. Members may also wish to note that if a Grand Lodge is not on this page, its Lodges may not be visited.
All members should note that it is important that no attempt should be made by any member of the United Grand Lodge of England to contact by any means (including telephone or e-mail) any of the Grand Lodges listed on this site until on their territory. To do so is a breach of Masonic Protocol.
Members of other Grand Lodges should also bear this in mind, and note that all correspondence received by the United Grand Lodge of England will only be replied to via their Grand Secretary/Grand Chancellor.
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