Cash Boost to Phoenix Hall in Sunderland
Phoenix Hall in Sunderland – the oldest surviving purpose-built masonic lodge still in use by the Freemasons in England – is set to rise again thanks to a £180,000 grant for vital repairs from Historic England.
A link to Sunderland's past
Phoenix Hall, the Grade I listed Georgian building in Queen Street East, has been in continuous use by Freemasons since it was built in 1784-5.
Now dwarfed by three high-rise tower blocks, Phoenix Hall is a bridge to Sunderland’s past – when the area now known as the East End lay at the heart of the City and Wearside was growing in wealth thanks to the trade in coal, timber and shipbuilding.
Although the hall has been extended and altered over the last 237 years, its original structure and interior has remained remarkably intact, with the original organ, ceremonial chairs and furnishings still in place.
The Freemason movement in Sunderland
Freemasonry was an important and influential national movement during the 18th century when the hall was built.
Sunderland had some of the first purpose-built masonic halls after London and funding from the local lodges paid for major building projects in the city such as the Exchange Buildings (High Street East) and the first Wearmouth Bridge.
Built for £600 by local mason John Bonner, Phoenix Hall was funded by fellow lodge members when their original building in Sunderland’s Vine Street was damaged by fire. Phoenix Hall rose from the ashes of the previous lodge, giving rise to its name.
Today, the hall is used by the Phoenix Lodge Freemasons but is also open to community groups and members of the public.
Vital repairs part of Heritage Action Zone initiative
The new injection of funding from Historic England will enable owners, the Queen Street Heritage Trust, to carry out vital repairs to the roof, joinery and masonry, as well as the interior including the distinctive chequered floor.
The work, part of Sunderland’s Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) initiative. The repair project will offer opportunities for local people to learn more about the building and its history, as well as take part in ‘hard hat’ tours and practical workshops lead by expert craftspeople.
Phoenix Hall is part of the Sunderland’s Historic High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HAZ), led by Historic England, Sunderland City Council and partners. The scheme aims to breathe new life into historic buildings, like the Hall, sparking interest in the city’s fascinating history and acting as a catalyst for regeneration.
We are delighted to help fund repairs to Phoenix Hall, which is such an important part of Sunderland’s past and has a key role to play in its future. This building has been a constant in the city’s changing landscape for over 230 years. Our grant will help open new opportunities for people to find out more about their local heritage and try craft building skills as part of the HAZ Heritage Skills Training Programme.
As a charitable trust we hold Phoenix Hall in care for the many Masonic members and the wider community. We are delighted to be part of the Heritage Action Zone, led by Historic England, here in Sunderland. This partnership has brought vital funding which will enable much needed repairs to the fabric of the building and ensure it can continue to be used by the community, as its builders envisaged 237 years ago.
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We are extremely grateful for the support and advice from Historic England in relation to the repair, maintenance and planning for our Grade I-Listed building. It has been invaluable.
Preserving old buildings as well as leading the development of new ones is key for Sunderland. We have some wonderful historic properties in the city – the Masonic Temple being one – and I’m delighted to see that funding has been secured to breathe new life into the building, the latest in a long line of old buildings that are being restored as part of the HAZ.
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