The banners around the room are the emblems of each of the Freemasonic lodges that meet in Severn Street – this one is Athol Lodge’s banner.

The hall is laid out according to masonic tradition with the Master’s chair in the East, the Senior Warden’s chair in the West and the Junior Warden’s chair in the South. The black and white chequerboard floor, common to all Masonic Halls, represents the duality of light and darkness and the joys and sorrows of life.

Masons believe in a supreme being – the Grand Architect of the Universe. The ‘G’ hanging from the ceiling refers to this being. The ceiling is also decorated to imitate the night sky.

Note the stars generally point to the Earth – made out of a NatWest money box. The first Lodge to meet at Severn Street was named ‘Athol’ after the Grand Master John Murray, 4th Duke of Athol (1755–1830) who had signed the Warrant to form the Lodge – the original is above the Secretaries’ chair.