FAQs

The Order is based upon the historic records of the life of King Athelstan who was the son of Edward the Elder and a grandson of Alfred the Great. He became King of the Anglo-Saxons in 924 AD and King of all the English in 927 AD. He died in 939 AD and is buried in Malmesbury Abbey.

The focus of the Order is to show how this early reference to the importance of Masonry in English history and its Charges and Regulations was significant for the development of speculative Freemasonry.

The Masonic Order of Athelstan portrays the story of a Master Mason being called to York in 926 AD to receive the Ancient Charges from the King.

There is a table of Courts, Venues and meeting dates.
Courts meet in the evenings, usually starting between 5 pm and 6.30 pm and are followed by dinner.

To be qualified for membership, a Master Mason must be and remain a subscribing member of both a Craft Lodge recognised by UGLE and a Royal Arch Chapter recognised by the Supreme Grand Chapter. He must be introduced, proposed and seconded by a Court Master Mason.

A Brother who ceases to be a subscribing member of a Craft Court or a Royal Arch Chapter is deemed to have resigned from the Order.

When you are “Instructed” into the Order, you will need an apron, which is similar in size and cost to a Master Mason’s apron. As with the Craft, you will need a different apron when you reach the WM chair.

Gloves are not worn by members.

The object of the Order is keep all fees, subscriptions and costs as low as possible. There is no charitable fund raising or office of Charity Steward; we take the view that such endeavours should be channelled through your Craft Lodge.

There is a small Joining Fee. In addition, an annual subscription is payable, comparable to other Masonic Orders, which includes Grand Court and Provincial Grand Court fees. Dining fees vary with each venue and are the same as for Craft, Chapter etc. In addition, members will be required to purchase their own regalia at a cost comparable to the Craft.

There are over 90 Athelstan Courts in England and Wales, each apportioned to one of the 11 Athelstan Provinces.
Worldwide, courts have also been consecrated in Andorra, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, El Salvador, France, Greece, India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Spain and the United States of America.

The Masonic Order of Athelstan is the fastest growing masonic order in England and Wales.