The Watchorn Bistro is open Wed–Fri 11:00–15:00 — find out more →
Home to 13 lodges and chapters serving Derbyshire since 1970. A welcoming Masonic community open to men of good character.
Alfreton Masonic Temple was originally built in 1938 as the Abraham Lincoln Library — a gift from American philanthropist Robert Watchorn, a son of Alfreton who emigrated to the USA in his early teens and made his fortune there.
He returned to his hometown and transformed it — building the Watchorn Methodist Church, a substantial number of houses, and the Library as an educational gift to Alfreton.
After wartime service as an Army Hospital and post-war use by the NHS, the building was purchased in 1970 by Alfreton Masonic Hall Ltd. The ceremony of dedication took place on 2nd November 1970.
Read more about Robert Watchorn →Alfreton Masonic Hall is a fully equipped venue open to members and the wider Derbyshire community.
A beautifully maintained ceremonial lodge room used by all 13 lodges and chapters at the Hall.
Dining room and bar open to the public. Wed–Fri 11:00–15:00. Coffee, cake, and full lunch menu.
A substantial on-site car park with room for all vehicles at lodge meetings and social events.
Regular social evenings, wine tastings, spring balls and more — open to members, families, and friends.
The Watchorn Restaurant at the Abraham Lincoln Library is open to the public Wednesday through Friday. Pop in for a coffee and cake, or stay for a full lunch. No membership required.
Opening times: Wed, Thu, Fri — 11:00–15:00
Coffee & cake from 11:00 · Lunch served 12:00–14:30
From Craft Freemasonry to the Royal Arch, Mark, Rose Croix and beyond — an exceptional range of Masonic orders all meeting here in Alfreton.
Warrant 13 Aug 1864
Warrant 5 Sep 1895
Warrant 6 Dec 1921
Warrant 14 Jun 1972
Warrant 10 Nov 1982
Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch
Mark Master Masons of England & Wales
18° Supreme Council for England & Wales
Grand Lodge of Royal Ark Mariners
Alfreton Conclave
Grand Council Royal & Select Masters
Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia
Great Priory of the Temple — England & Wales
There are no strangers in Freemasonry, only friends you've yet to meet.
— Author Unknown
Whether you're curious, ready to join, or want to bring your lodge to Alfreton — there's a place for you here.
For full details please contact us directly.
| Facility | Craft Lodges | Royal Arch & Degrees | Hall Hire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge Room access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dining room & bar | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Robing facilities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Car parking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Regular social events | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Advance meeting schedule | ✓ | ✓ | — |
| Access to further degrees | ✓ | ✓ | — |
Live calendar showing all lodge meetings, festive boards, and social events — updated in real time.
Meeting dates may occasionally change. Please confirm with the relevant lodge secretary before travelling. Contact us for further information.
Everything you need to know about Freemasonry at Alfreton.
Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. It teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through a progression of ceremonies. There are around 200,000 Freemasons in England and Wales.
Any man of good character aged 21 or over is welcome to apply. You do not need to know a Freemason to join — simply register your interest and we will guide you through the process. Freemasonry welcomes men of all backgrounds, faiths, and professions.
A White Table Evening is an open event where non-members are invited inside the Lodge Room. A member of the lodge will describe the furniture, the Warrant, the Lodge Banner and its history. Regalia will be worn by principal officers, giving you a real sense of what Freemasonry looks like before committing to anything.
A typical meeting has two parts: the formal ceremony in the Lodge Room (ritual work and lodge business), followed by the festive board — a dinner where members and guests socialise, share toasts, and enjoy each other's company.
Each lodge sets its own annual subscription covering running costs, lodge fees, and charitable contributions, plus an initiation fee. Costs vary by lodge — contact us and we'll provide full details for any lodge you're interested in.
No. Freemasonry is a society with some private aspects, but members are completely free to say they are Freemasons and talk openly about the organisation. It is registered with the Charity Commission and its accounts are publicly available.
We are at Derby Road, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 7AQ. There is a large on-site car park. The Hall is easily accessible from Nottingham, Derby, Mansfield, and Chesterfield via the A38.
Whether you're interested in joining, hiring the Hall, or want to know more — we respond promptly to all enquiries.
Register your interest and we'll introduce you to Freemasonry at Alfreton.
Life at Alfreton
Social events, lodge news, and community activities at the Hall.
Opening Times – The Watchorn Bistro
February 8, 2022Wine Tasting – Saturday April 4th 6.30pm
February 10, 2020Musical Feast for the Tercentenary Celebrations
November 2, 2017