the history of burke lodge
Additional Information
Burke Lodge was formed as a Beaconsfield Lodge to reflect the fact that many of the founders lived, worked or had businesses in and around Beaconsfield. The name of the lodge was probably chosen to reflect the connection that Edmund Burke the politician 1729 -1797 had with Beaconsfield. Edmund Burke owned a substantial country house in Beaconsfield called Gregories, and in fact there are two roads in Beaconsfield called Burkes Road and Gregories Road which continue to reflect the towns connection with Edmund Burke. Edmund Burke died in Beaconsfield on 9th July 1797 and is buried in a family vault under the pews in St Mary & All Saints parish Church.
The Lodge received its warrant on 1st August, 1945 and was consecrated on the 3rd of October that same year at Burnham Hall, Malthouse Square Beaconsfield. Bro. H.L. Brown the founding Junior Warden of the Lodge, lived at Burke Lodge House, London End Beaconsfield. The lodge originally met at the Gerrard’s Cross Masonic centre but following a petition of the membership decided to relocate to The Marlow Masonic Centre in 1982.
The emblem on the banner is based on the Arms of Edmund Burke, depicting a wild cat, sejant and gardant above the Square and Compasses, with the motto “Do good and supress evil”, to which the Lodge aspires. At the very top of the banner are the Sun, stars, moon and a quite unique interpretation of the all-seeing eye. The banner also features the two pillars at the porchway or entrance, a chequered floor and some of the movable and immovable jewels. The silk banner has been hand painted, and despite the care taken by brethren, its antiquity is evident in the signs of wear and tear that is evident. Nonetheless, it is a beautifully painted masonic banner that features an interesting white and blue tassel edge.
As a further piece of information, in 1992, RW Lord William Burnham the then the Provincial Grand Master attended their installation meeting and during the festive board he informed the then WM. that he had Edmund Burkes sword at his home in Hall Barn Beaconsfield.
