02/03/2026
The fabulous building that we call home. It has some amazing hidden history that can be read about in this article on the brilliant page dedicated to George Edward Bond
The Masonic Hall, an update from January 24th 2026:
On 22 August 1904, under plan no. 2758, George Bond designed the 'Chatham Masonic Book Society Hall' at 5 Manor Road, Chatham — a building created for a Lodge of which he himself was a member.
The Lodge’s early history reads like a saga of resilience. In 1820, the “Great Fire of Chatham” swept through the town with devastating force. The 'Sun Tavern, then the Lodge’s meeting place, was completely destroyed. When the flames finally died, almost nothing remained: the Lodge’s books, records, papers, and treasured furniture were reduced to ash, erasing decades of history in a single night.
When the tavern was rebuilt as the 'Sun Hotel', it became the Lodge’s new home.
Before settling at Manor Road, the Lodge met at several Chatham venues, including:
- Queen’s Head, Red Cat Lane
- Bunch of Grapes (1751)
- Globe Tavern (1763)
- Mitre Tavern (1767)
- Post Office, High Street (1770)
- Sun Tavern (1790)
The Lodge’s warrant dates to 1723, making it widely regarded as the oldest Provincial Masonic Lodge outside the capital.
Today, the Masons are undertaking a major refurbishment programme aimed at raising the hall’s profile and opening it more fully to the community. The building is available to hire for a wide range of events — celebrations, proms, wakes, community gatherings, and more — making it a versatile local venue with deep historical roots.