In December 1825 the Lodge moved from the Fleece Hotel to the Regent Hotel but after a few months went on to the Wellington Hotel in Wellington Passage then back to the Regent Hotel until 1830 when arrangements were concluded with Foundation Lodge for the joint use of the temple in Portland Street and the furniture we had acquired.

 

There then followed a difficult period for the Lodge with poor attendances and arrears of subscriptions. By 1844 the Lodge was meeting at the Lamb Hotel which was on a site opposite the current Regent Arcade. It was a very popular rendezvous with local farmers. The timing and reason for this ‘break’ with Foundation Lodge is not known.

 

The Lodge then spent a short term at the Brunswick Hotel which we believe was formerly called Yearsleys Hotel which was situated in the High Street next door to the Grammar School. The building was later pulled down and the site incorporated into the school.

 

We then held meetings at the Plough Hotel which occupied a prominent position on the High Street now the site of the Regent Arcade. By 1850 we were back at the Royal Hotel where the Lodge gradually regained its influence and prosperity.

 

In 1854, on the proposition of Bro. Brook-Smith ( later Deputy Provincial Grand Master) we resumed our joint arrangement with Foundation Lodge meeting in Portland Street where we continue to meet to this day.