Open Doors - Hawarden Masonic Hall

Originally a boys school and constructed massively of local sandstone, Hawarden Masonic Hall was built in 1877. Its origins owe their development to the Education Act of 1875, enacted by the Liberal Government, of which William Ewart Gladstone of Hawarden Castle was Prime Minister, which stated that all children above 5 years of age should receive an education.

The premises functioned as a boys school until 1912 when it was replaced by a new school, denominated Canon Drew School, now demolished.

The old boys school was used as a Masonic Hall by St. Deiniol's Lodge no.3272, and in 1912 the lodge purchased the building from the Church Authorities.

The former school house was built by Rector Glynne 1834, and perhaps designed by Thomas Jones
(compare Mold, Old County Hall). It was converted as the Masonic Hall in 1913.

Architectural details: a 6-bay rectangular hall in Jacobethan style, of sandstone ashlar on a continuous plinth. Medium pitched slate roof with plain eaves. Coped gables to north and south with crocketted finials, diagonally set, and corbelled out. Large, centrally-placed lateral chimneys, stepped and with single octagonal shafts. That to the east has inserted moulded plaque bearing inscription Masonic Hall 1913 in raised lettering. Shield with Masonic badge above. Symmetrical east facade with two 2-light mullioned and one single-light window to either side of stack. Recessed and chamfered surrounds. Plain mullions and moulded and returned hoods. Stepped 8-light mullioned and transomed windows to north and south gables, with a blocked entrance to north. Enclosed porch to south, timber-framed on a brick plinth to dado height. All windows to the main building have been blocked except two on the west side. Single-storey stone extensions of two periods to rear, the chief of which has a porch with timber-framed gable and stepped access. 4-light mullioned window; slate roof.

On 16 November 1994 the hall was awarded grade II listed building status by Cadw.

For Open Doors - take a historical tour of the Cadw grade II-listed building Hawarden Masonic Hall, in collaboration with north east Wales archives (Hawarden branch) This building has been a part of Hawarden's heritage and history since it was built in 1877, starting life as a boy's school constructed in line with Gladstone's Government's introduction of the Education Act. The building has been a Masonic Hall since 1913 and its use has continued throughout that period and remains today. 

What's behind those old sandstone walls and bricked up ancient windows that you might drive past every day? Go along and find out, you'll be surprised!

Address - Hawarden Masonic Hall Ltd., Gladstone Way, Hawarden, Deeside, CH5 3HE.

Directions - from Queensferry roundabout, the Hawarden exit onto Gladstone Way. The building is located at the far end of Gladstone Way on the right-hand side, approximately one mile from Queensferry roundabout.
Disabled access to the rear of the building accessed through opened gates. 
Large private car park - capacity 40 cars with 4 disabled allocated spaces.

No booking required.