Lodge No. 2343 on the register of the United Grand Lodge of England, consecrated in Bedford in 1890. We meet on the second Thursday of October, November, January, February, March and April at The Keep, Bedford Road, Kempston, and carry the name of Bedford's great Tudor benefactor.
Freemasonry is the UK's largest secular, fraternal and charitable organisation. Its members learn moral lessons through a series of ritual dramas, two-part plays performed in a Lodge and learnt by heart, and then sit down to dine together at the festive board.
Our Lodge is named after Sir William Harpur (c.1496–1574), the Bedford-born merchant tailor who became Lord Mayor of London and, with his wife Dame Alice, endowed the charity that became the Harpur Trust. Four and a half centuries later the Trust still runs schools and supports people across Bedford, and its founder's habit of giving back is one we try to keep.
Born in Bedford around 1496 and educated at the town's school, he was admitted to the Merchant Taylors' Company in 1533, served as Lord Mayor of London in 1561 and was knighted by Elizabeth I in 1562. In 1566 he endowed the Bedford charity that bears his name. He is buried in St Paul's Church, Bedford.
Being honest, fair and true to our word in every part of life.
Lasting friendships with men of every age, background and faith.
Courtesy and tolerance towards everyone, inside the Lodge and out.
Giving time and money to help others, locally and nationally.
We meet on the second Thursday of October, November, January, February, March and April at The Keep in Kempston. Our Installation meeting is in February, and every meeting is followed by dinner together.
Sir William Harpur Lodge has sponsored five daughter Lodges, among them Gilbert Inglefield Lodge No. 8009 in 1965 and, most recently, Britalia Garibaldi Lodge No. 10020 in 2023. We still share The Keep with Gilbert Inglefield, and in 2025 our officers performed Second Degree ceremonies for them.
When Sir William Harpur Lodge was consecrated in 1890 it was the second Lodge in Bedford and the sixth in the county. Today it is one of the Lodges of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Bedfordshire, and shares The Keep in Kempston with other Bedford Lodges and Masonic orders.
Led by our Master, W Bro Andrew Keech, brethren of Sir William Harpur Lodge helped our daughter Lodge, Gilbert Inglefield No. 8009, carry out a Passing ceremony. Members of both Lodges took part in a happy and successful evening, and a second Passing for Gilbert Inglefield followed in April.
Read more about Sir William Harpur assists daughter Lodge on the Bedfordshire Freemasons website (opens in new tab)The Lodge held its annual Installation meeting at The Keep, Kempston, followed by dinner at the festive board.
Read more about Installation meeting at The Keep on the Bedfordshire Freemasons website (opens in new tab)W Bro Mark Turner was installed as Master. The Lodge welcomed the Deputy Provincial Grand Master, Nick Edwards, as the official Provincial representative, and was delighted when Assistant Provincial Grand Master Hugh Love decided to join them too.
Read more about Double delight for Sir William Harpur Lodge on the Bedfordshire Freemasons website (opens in new tab)We are always happy to talk to anyone who would like to know more. No obligation.