Bedfordshire Freemasons and the 150th Anniversary of “The Keep”

On Sunday 22nd March celebrations were held at the Keep to mark its 150th Anniversary.

The day centred on the building’s three custodians over time — the Army, Civic authorities, and Bedfordshire Freemasons.

Opened in 1876 as part of a national expansion of Army barracks, the Keep was originally home to the 16th Regiment, later becoming the Bedfordshire Regiment, the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment, and finally the East Anglian Regiment.

It played an important role during both World Wars, serving as a training base in WW1 and a convalescence centre in WW2.

Following its closure in September 1977, ownership passed to the Borough Council. Sadly, the building fell into disrepair and became semi-derelict, even facing the prospect of demolition.

In 1980, led by the late Provincial Grand Master Cyril Robinson, Bedfordshire Freemasons stepped in to rescue the Keep. From this effort, the Bedfordshire Masonic Centre was born — a true phoenix rising from the ashes.

For a pictorial history see here 

The anniversary was marked with a fine Sunday lunch attended by 60 guests, including the Lord-Lieutenant, the Mayors of Bedford and Kempston, members of the Royal Anglian Association, and Clive Walsh representing the Provincial Grand Master Nick Edwards, along with other Bedfordshire Freemasons and their families.

A fitting celebration of heritage, resilience, and community.