The formation of a Lodge for "Old Langtonians" was a topic of discussion for many years, with the desire to form one becoming particularly persistent following the end of World War II. In November 1957, enthusiasts gathered in Canterbury and officially decided to form the Lodge.
The Simon Langton Lodge was consecrated on Tuesday, May 6th, 1958. The ceremony took place in the historic Chapter House of Canterbury Cathedral and was performed by the Provincial Grand Master, Lord Cornwallis. It was a significant event attended by nearly 500 Masons, which was approaching a record for a Consecration at that time. The new Lodge was sponsored by Binnewith Lodge No. 6338.
Simon Langton The Lodge is named after Simon Langton, who was the brother of Stephen Langton, the famous Archbishop of Canterbury and First Counsellor on the Magna Carta. Simon served as the Archdeacon of Canterbury for approximately twenty years. When he died in 1248, he left provisions to support the "Poor Priests' Hospital," which had been founded shortly before by Alexander of Gloucester. Simon persuaded St. Augustine's Abbey to endow the hospital and added his own endowments to ensure its success.
Connection to the School The Lodge maintains a deep connection to Simon Langton School. The history traces back to the Poor Priests' Hospital endowed by Simon Langton, which eventually evolved into a "House of Correction" and a hostel for training poor boys as apprentices. Following the 1869 Endowed Schools Act and the closure of the "Blue Coat School" in 1879, a successor was established on the White Friars site in 1881. It formally adopted the name Simon Langton School in 1887.
Reflecting this heritage, Lodge membership was originally limited to Old Langtonians and present or past Masters of the school but has developed over the years to welcome members regardless of where they went to school.
From its inception, the founders established specific operational principles to accommodate members travelling from afar:
Meeting Times: The Lodge meets 5 times a year on the second Friday of May (Installation), September, October, December and January.
Ritual: The Lodge adopted "St. Augustine's Working," a form of Emulation Ritual generally used in Canterbury.
Dress: Members are encouraged to wear the Old School Tie, specifically preferring the black, maroon, and yellow version over the more recent dark blue crest design.
Song: It is tradition to sing the school song, "40 Years On," at the Festive Board.
The Lodge uses the same Coat of Arms as the school, featuring:
First and Fourth Quarter: The Langton Family arms.
Second Quarter: The arms of the Boys family (Sir John Boys established Jesus Hospital, the funds of which were eventually merged into the Langton School funds).
Third Quarter: The Canterbury City Coat of Arms, featuring a Lion and three Cornish Choughs (associated with St. Thomas à Becket).
Motto: Meliora Sequamur ("Let us follow better things").