Martin Foss Lodge of Research – Jolly Boys’ Day Out 2025
The Martin Foss Lodge of Research’s annual Jolly Boys’ Day Out was held in the City of London this year and proved to be a fantastic day filled with fellowship, heritage, and Masonic landmarks.
Starting at Freemasons’ Hall
The day began at Freemasons’ Hall, where members gathered for refreshments in the café before being guided through the building by Vinicius, one of the Hall’s knowledgeable tour guides. In addition to learning about the building’s rich architectural and symbolic heritage, members were treated to a private viewing of original jewels, booklets, and ephemera from the Masonic Million Memorial Fund, generously shared from the personal collection of the Lodge Secretary.
A Walk Through Masonic History
From there, the group visited the Ship Tavern, tucked behind Holborn Station, where Domatic Lodge No. 177 was consecrated in 1786. The historical tour continued to the Tower of London area and onward to Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, consecration site of Friars Lodge in 1871. This famed pub — frequented by literary giants such as Mark Twain, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and P.G. Wodehouse — was the perfect spot for reflecting on centuries of Masonic history.
A significant moment of the day was visiting the site where the Goose and Gridiron once stood, adjacent to St Paul’s Cathedral — the birthplace of the first Grand Lodge in 1717. Although the original building is no longer there, a commemorative plaque marks the historic site.
Dinner and a Surprise Encounter
The day concluded with dinner back at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, one of London’s oldest and most characterful establishments, dating back to 1538. Along the way, members even bumped into several BEDA brethren en route to a meeting in Leighton Buzzard — a wonderful coincidence that added to the sense of fraternity throughout the day.
Looking Ahead
Martin Foss Lodge of Research is pleased to announce that on 2nd September, Mark Smith, of television fame, will be speaking at The Keep on the subject of the Victoria Cross. This promises to be a truly memorable event.
🎟️ Tickets are still available via the Provincial website.