Masonic Centres in the Bailiwick

Guernsey
Alderney

History of Freemasonry on the Channel Islands

The Province of Guernsey and Alderney in the Channel Islands are one of the smallest Provinces of the United Grand Lodge of England, supporting just eleven Lodges. Although the Channel Islands are not part of the United Kingdom, they have been possessions of the Duke of Normandy since before 1066 and remain British Crown Dependencies under the British Monarchy.

Located just a few miles off the French coast in the English Channel, the Channel Islands consist of five populated islands. The Province of Guernsey and Alderney including the smaller islands of Sark and Herm, while Jersey forms a separate Province.

Freemasonry was introduced to Guernsey, the second largest island, in 1753 during the reign of King George II. At the time, John Proby, Baron of Carysfort in County Wicklow, Ireland, served as Grand Master of the Ancient & Honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons. Freemasonry was rapidly expanding across the land, carried by travelling merchantmen, scholars, seafarers, and servicemen.

Guernsey’s thriving fishing, growing, knitting industries, and commerce in St. Peter Port, along with privateering and trading ships, contributed to the island’s early adoption of Freemasonry. Lodges were typically named after their meeting places. On May 10th, 1753, the Lily Tavern Lodge No. 228 was established in St. Peter Port by the Moderns Grand Lodge. Later that year, on December 22nd, Thomas Dobrée was appointed the first Provincial Grand Master of the Islands of Guernsey, Jersey, Alderney, Sark, and Arme (now Herm).

Alderney saw the formation of its first Lodge, Olive Lodge No. 328, on July 13th, 1802. Over the years, several Lodges were formed but not all survive. However, a Lodge, originally warranted as Ship and Castle Lodge No. 222 on March 10th, 1784, was renamed in 1804 as Mariners’ and was renumbered later as No. 168. It has flourished for over 220 years and remains the oldest surviving Lodge in the Province and the Channel Islands.

Before the formation of the Province of Guernsey and Alderney, the Province existed as a combined one of all the Channel Islands: the first in 1753 under Thomas Dobrée based in Guernsey, the second in 1807 under General Sir John Doyle, G.C.B. again based in Guernsey, and the third in 1848 under James John Hammond who formed two Provinces Jersey where he was based and Guernsey. Following that the Provinces remained separated and in 1894 Guernsey was modified to be the Province of Guernsey and Alderney under Brigade Surgeon James Balfour Cockburn M.D.

The Province endured two World Wars. During World War I (1914–1918), Lodge meetings continued uninterrupted, though twenty-two Brethren lost their lives in service, as recorded in the Masonic Roll of Honour at the United Grand Lodge of England.

World War II brought greater hardship. The Channel Islands were occupied by German Forces from June 30th, 1940, until liberation on May 9th, 1945. Alderney residents did not return until December 1945, as the island had been used as a concentration camp. Freemasonry was banned, and Masonic Temples in Guernsey and Alderney were looted and desecrated.

After the Occupation, Masonic activity resumed, aided by a £5,000 donation from the United Grand Lodge of England to both the Province of Guernsey and Alderney and the Province of Jersey. Mariners’ Lodge No. 168 and Loyalty Lodge No. 243 received food parcels from the New Zealand Grand Lodge numbered counterparts, Lodge Maungawhao No. 168 and Lodge Island Bay No. 243, in a memorable act of fraternal friendship which was forged out of war and continues to this day.

Today, St. Peter Port has transformed into a bustling international financial centre, welcoming cruise ships and tourists from around the world. Freemasonry continues to thrive in the Province. The purpose-built Masonic Centre in Guernsey, dedicated on July 25th, 1998, hosts all ten Guernsey Lodges and other Masonic orders. In Alderney, St. Ann’s Lodge No. 593 meets in its own Temple, along with other active orders represented in the island.

In May 2003, the Province celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the first Freemasons’ Lodge in Guernsey with a special meeting at the Masonic Centre, honouring its rich history and contributions to the Islands.

Today, Guernsey Freemasons operate under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England, and the island is home to several lodges that meet regularly at the Masonic Centre in St. Martin. These lodges provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for men of good character who seek personal development, fellowship, and the opportunity to contribute positively to society.

The principles of Freemasonry—integrity, friendship, respect, and charity—are deeply embedded in the Guernsey Masonic tradition. Members are actively involved in supporting local causes, including healthcare, education, and community welfare. Over the years, Guernsey Freemasons have donated substantial funds and volunteered countless hours to help those in need across the island.

Freemasonry in Guernsey is not a secret society but a society with secrets—its ceremonies and traditions are symbolic and designed to encourage reflection, learning, and moral growth. Membership is open to individuals who believe in a Supreme Being and are committed to living honourably and helping others.

Whether you’re curious about Freemasonry or considering joining, Guernsey Freemasons welcome enquiries and are happy to share more about their work, values, and history. The fraternity continues to thrive, offering a unique blend of tradition, purpose, and community spirit.

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