Northampton Castle Lodge of Mark Master Masons

Northampton Castle is a Lodge of Mark Master Masons, consecrated on 19th November 1968, and we are one of 24 lodges in our Mark Province of Northampton, Huntingdon and Bedford. Welcome to our website, if you are just curious about Freemasonry and/or the Mark Degree, or considering joining our Lodge, you will hopefully find information here to help you in your search.

Mark Masonry is a companion Order to regular Craft Masonry, the conditions for entry are the same as the Craft but to become a Mark Master Mason you must already be a Master Mason in a regular Craft Lodge.

The origins of the Mark Degree aren’t clear, there is some evidence it goes back 400 years but the first meeting of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons was held on Monday, 23 June 1856. It is generally considered to be the biggest masonic order in the UK, after The Craft and Royal Arch.

Many members list the Mark as their favourite Order and, as well as its own merits, membership is required in order to join the Orders of Royal & Select Masters, Royal Ark Mariners and the Allied Masonic Degrees. It is also part of the York Rite system of Masonic Orders.

In terms of the chronological progress of the masonic story Mark Masonry follows on from the Craft’s Second Degree, also known as the Fellowcraft. Today the Mark Degree is justly known as the friendly Degree and features a memorable and unique ceremony. Candidates are ‘Advanced’ into the Degree and, during the course of the ceremony, are issued with their Registered Mark.

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