On Tuesday 19th May 2026 saw five members of the District ensconced (settled safely, comfortably & securely) into the District Recorders car to make their way for the Grand East. On this occasion to witness and celebrate the preferment of III.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman to the 31°, Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander.
The journey from Worcestershire to London, with the exception of traffic delays for several miles some 12 miles into our journey, and of course the last 3 or 4 miles before arriving at our pre-arranged parking lot in St James’s, went extremely well, eventually arriving approx 30 mins later than our scheduled arrival time………
Four of the party made their way to the Chequers Tavern, a very well-known and respected public house nestled conveniently between the Cavendish Hotel and 10 Duke Street to enjoy a super ‘pub lunch’ courtesy of the Inspector General. The Inspector General himself was unable to join us for lunch as he had to attend a meeting of the Suprema Lex Chapter Rose Croix No 1000.
On completion of a generous and hugely satisfying lunch, some took the opportunity of a short walk around Fortnum & Masons, and the party a short while later reunited at 10 Duke Street to witness III.˙.Bro Martyn Hardeman promotion to the 31°.
In the second ceremony of the afternoon, a number of fellow members from around the several Districts received their 30°, promotions. Both ceremonies once again being conducted in a superb manner by members of The Supreme Council.
A most enjoyable day was completed with a short walk across to Mark Masons Hall to enjoy a dinner of the finest quality, and the return trip back to Worcestershire.
Did you know…………… After the Great Fire of London in 1666, the first buildings erected were in St James, southwest of the old city. One of St James’s buildings was an Alehouse called “The Mason Arms”. It was situated next to ‘Cavendish House’, home of Lady Cavendish, the ‘Duchess of Duke Street’ and mistress to King Edward VII, who resided at the palace of St James.
At the rear of Cavendish House and The Mason Arms was Mason Yard, (named after Hugh Mason, he of the world-famous Fortnum & Mason grocery store), where the Stonemasons prepared the stones for the building of Westminster Palace (today known as the Houses of Parliament).
The stone masons along with the coachmen and grooms would park their coaches and horses in Mason Yard and wait for their masters, who were being entertained at Cavendish House. They wiled away their time drinking ale and playing chequers on the steps of the ale house. So, in time The Masons Arms became known as The Chequers Pub and soon had a new sign depicting a Chequers Board.
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