Grand Court of Athelstan

Another successful trip to England is in the books! This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the Grand Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan in Leicester, UK. Located in the East Midlands of England, Leicester is one of the country’s oldest cities. Originally founded by the Romans as “Ratae Corieltauvorum” meaning “ramparts of the Corieltauvorum”; the Corieltauvorum were a Celtic tribe that lived in the area when the Romans invaded. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Anglo-Saxons took over the city and later became part of the Danelaw, under the control of Viking settlers. During the medieval period, Leicester grew as a market town and was granted a royal charter in 1255. Its importance continued to rise with the construction of Leicester Castle and its role as a center for trade. Leicester’s rich cultural heritage is also marked by its role in English history, such as its connection to the War of the Roses. The remains of King Richard III, who was killed in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, were famously discovered beneath a car park in the city in 2012, an event that brought global attention to Leicester.

I flew out of the States in the late afternoon on Tuesday and arrived in London Wednesday morning along with the Secretary of Salish Court No. 96 (my home Court). After navigating a few train connections, we finally arrived at our Leicester hotel, conveniently located near the edge of the historic old town.

Thursday morning, we walked to the Richard III Visitors Center and discovered the significance of Leicester in the history of King Richard III, the last Plantagenet king of England. Richard III’s connection to Leicester is rooted in his demise during the War of the Roses, a series of dynastic conflicts between the Houses of York and Lancaster. In 1485, Richard faced Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth just a few miles from Leicester. Richard III, leading his forces into battle, was defeated and killed, marking the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the rise of the Tudors. Following his death, Richard’s body was brought to Leicester and unceremoniously buried at the Greyfriars Friary, a monastic site in the city, that was later destroyed by King Henry VIII. For centuries, the exact location of Richard’s remains was lost, becoming the subject of legend and speculation. However, in 2012, a remarkable archaeological project led by the University of Leicester uncovered a skeleton beneath a car park on the former site of the Greyfriars Friary. After thorough analysis, including DNA testing, the remains were confirmed to be those of Richard III. This discovery was one of the most significant historical findings in recent British history, drawing international attention to Leicester. In 2015, Richard III was reburied with full honors at Leicester Cathedral, in a ceremony that attracted visitors and dignitaries from around the world, acknowledging both his historical significance and the city’s role in his story.

We then walked to Leicester Cathedral (the Cathedral Church of St. Martin) which has a rich history that spans over 900 years. It stands on a site that has been a place of Christian worship since at least the 11th century, though it is believed that the area may have been associated with religious activity even earlier. Originally, a parish church dedicated to St. Martin was established there during the Norman period, reflecting the spread of Christianity across England. In 1927, the church was elevated to cathedral status when the Diocese of Leicester was re-established, making it the spiritual heart of the city and surrounding area. Throughout its history, Leicester Cathedral has seen significant architectural changes, with additions made during the medieval period, the Victorian era, and the 20th century.

 

Walking around the corner of the Cathedral, we found Leicester Guildhall, one of the city’s oldest landmarks dating back to the 14th century. Originally constructed around 1390, the Guildhall was built as a meeting place for the Guild of Corpus Christi, a religious and social fraternity that played a central role in the civic life of medieval Leicester. By the 16th century, the Guildhall had expanded its role to serve as Leicester’s Town Hall, hosting meetings of the town’s governing body, known as the Corporation. It was also used as a courtroom and a venue for public events and entertainment, including theatrical performances and banquets. In 1642, during the English Civil War, it was used as a military headquarters when the Royalist forces, led by King Charles I, attempted to capture the city.

We next walked over to the Church of St. Mary de Castro, located near Leicester Castle, which is one of the city’s oldest churches. Founded in 1107 by Robert de Beaumont, the first Earl of Leicester, the church was originally established as a chapel within the grounds of Leicester Castle. It is believed that King Henry VI was knighted there, and Geoffrey Chaucer, author of "The Canterbury Tales," was married there. The church’s medieval heritage is reflected in its architecture, which includes Norman, Gothic, and later styles, featuring beautiful stone carvings, stained glass windows, and an intricately decorated interior. This church historically functioned as two distinct churches within a single building, reflecting the social divisions of the medieval period. One side of the church was designated for the nobility, primarily the residents and officials of Leicester Castle, while the other side was for commoners from the surrounding town.

Leaving the church, we walked across the street to Leicester Castle, but the motte was the only thing open to the public. We then walked down the Castle Gardens and then back to the hotel so we could get ready for the Grand Witan Banquet. Afterward, many of us stayed up late socializing and drinking beer.

The next day a few of us wandered further around the city and made our way to Abbey Park. The park is situated on the grounds of what was once Leicester Abbey, an Augustinian monastery founded in 1143 by Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester. The abbey flourished for centuries as a center of religious and economic activity until it fell victim to King Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. After dismantling the abbey, the land changed hands several times and was used for agricultural purposes. In the late 19th century, the area was transformed into a public park to provide green spaces for the people of Leicester. The park contains ruins of the original church, remains of the abbey walls, and a memorial to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (who died at the abbey in 1530).

Saturday morning, we assembled at Freemasons’ Hall in Leicester and opened the Grand Court of the Masonic Order of Athelstan. Seating was set and I was behind the Grand Marshall near the Grand Secretaries table on the northeast side of the Lodge. As an American, I enjoy watching the pomp and ceremony of the British. Among the various items of business dealt with, the current Grand Master was re-elected for another term of office. He also announced that a Grand Court of France would be formed in November and the Grand Court of the United States of America would be formed in February during Masonic Week.

After the meeting, we had drinks and a large lunch before we made our way back to the London area in preparation for our flights to our respective residences. It was a fun trip, but it’s always good to be back in your own bed.