Fraternal greetings & welcome to the Howley Lodge website

Howley is a Freemasons’ Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons recognised by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the Warrant of the Lodge having been granted on the 1st February 1928. The Lodge meets at Blenheim House, Batley in the province of Yorkshire, West Riding.

Freemasonry is one of the oldest secular social and charitable organisations in the world, modern Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals. Membership is open to men over 18 from all backgrounds and the organisation’s aim is to empower members to be the best they can be – it’s about building character, supporting members as individuals and helping them make a positive contribution to society. Freemasonry provides a structure for members to come together under these common goals, enabling people to make new friendships, develop themselves and make valuable contributions to charitable causes. We are one of the largest charitable givers in the country, contributing £51.1m to deserving causes in 2020.

The name Howley is taken from Howley Hall which was a predominate feature of this area in the 17th Century. The hall was built during the 1580s. The house was besieged during the Civil War in 1643 before the Battle of Adwalton Moor but appeared to have sustained no serious damage. It continued to be occupied during the 17th century but fell into disrepair. Howley Hall was finally demolished in 1730, although, many ruins exist including the cellars of its great hall.

During the late 19th century, Batley was the centre of the “shoddy trade” in which wool rags and clothes were recycled by reweaving them into blankets, carpets and uniforms. In 1861 there were at least 30 shoddy mills in Batley.

Batley is also famous for Rugby League. The club being one of the original twenty-two rugby football clubs that formed the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895, making them one of the world’s first rugby league clubs. In 1897, the ‘Gallant Youths’ became the first winners of the Challenge Cup beating St Helens 10-3.

Lodge meetings are held every second Wednesday every month, except August and the Installation Meeting is in October.