Provincial Grand Chapter of Norfolk - Great Yarmouth Masonic Centre

Royal Assembly Rooms,
Albert Square,
Great Yarmouth,
Norfolk NR30 3JH

Telephone:
Visitors: 01493 843224
Secretary: 01493 855893

This is one of the few Temples in the Province with sea views and has an interesting history. It is situated on the Promenade, opposite the Wellington Pier. It has its own parking.

It was built in 1863, and was originally called "The Assembly and Reading Rooms". It was designed to provide somewhere for the public to read, play cards and relax. It was damaged by fire in 1870 and had to be partially rebuilt. It was sold in 1874 for £5,050 and the new owner leased it to the Artillery Militia who changed the name to the "Artillery Mess Rooms". When the Regiment became connected with the Monarchy, the name was changed to the "Royal Assembly Rooms". This name was retained when the building was again sold to the Freemasons in 1919.

Even before this date, there were masonic connections through the military, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Lord Suffield (P.G.M. 1876-98), Lt. Col. R.F. Boileau (P.G.M. 1926-43). The military link is preserved to this day through the shields of coats of arms displayed on the walls of the main Temple; these are as a result of a rule that all officers of the Regiment had to present one on his appointment. At one time there were about 100 of them; the Provincial Grand Master is responsible for them, keeping them safe and adequately insured.

During the First World War it was requisitioned by the army, and after purchase a great deal of alteration and improvement was made, including the construction of a dining room on what was originally a bowling green. During the Second World War it was again requisitioned, this time by the Admiralty, who retained it until 1946.

There is another Temple on the first floor, used mainly by the additional degrees.