Croydon · Surrey · Founded under UGLE

Brotherhood.
Charity.
Tradition.

Fountain Head Lodge · No. 9707

We welcome men of good character from Croydon and the surrounding area into one of the world's oldest fraternal organisations — meeting in fellowship, practising ancient traditions, and serving our community.

Enquire About Joining Discover our history
Fountain Head Lodge No. 9707 emblem
Our Foundations

Our core principles

Brotherly Love

Every Freemason is taught to regard the whole of mankind as one family. The bonds forged within our lodge last a lifetime, extending across the globe through our ancient fraternity.

Relief & Charity

Funded through the generosity of Freemasons and their families, the Masonic Charitable Foundation is one of the largest grant-making charities in the United Kingdom.

Truth & Integrity

We are guided by strict adherence to truth in all things. Freemasonry asks every member to practise the highest moral principles in both their personal and professional lives.

About the Lodge

Freemasonry in
Croydon & Surrey

Fountain Head Lodge No. 9707 meets at the Croydon Masonic Halls under the Province of Surrey. Freemasonry is one of the world's oldest fraternal societies, built on brotherhood, charity and a tradition that has endured for centuries, administered in England and Wales by the United Grand Lodge of England.

Freemasonry is not a religion, though members are asked to hold a belief in a Supreme Being. Membership is open to men of any race or religion who are of good repute. Members follow their own faith, and religion is never discussed at meetings.

The principles a Freemason is encouraged to live by are tolerance and respect for others, charity both in giving and in voluntary effort, service to the community, and a striving for truth and high moral standards — helping each member become a more rounded individual, of benefit to himself and to society.

Read how our lodge began
Our Story

Why the Fountainhead?

The lodge takes its name from the Fountainhead — a Young & Co.'s public house that once stood on Parchmore Road, Thornton Heath, Surrey. The link between public houses and the Craft is an old one: pubs were long-standing venues for Freemasons to meet.

Three hundred years ago, brethren from four lodges met in a room at the Goose and Gridiron alehouse in London's St Paul's Churchyard to bring the first Grand Lodge in the world into being. Today there are more than 200,000 Freemasons in over 7,000 lodges across England and Wales, and some six million worldwide.

It was natural, then, that the Freemasons who met regularly at the Fountainhead and enjoyed one another's company should raise the idea of forming a lodge of their own. Inspired by the dedicated work of W.Bro. Dan Turner, the lodge was consecrated on 29 February 2000 at the Croydon and District Masonic Centre, where it still meets today.

Since its formation, Fountain Head has always been known as a friendly and welcoming lodge — one that takes its meetings seriously but knows how to enjoy the dinner that follows each one. New members are always welcome, whether newly initiated into Freemasonry or joining from another lodge.

The Journey

The Three Craft Degrees

Entered Apprentice

Your introduction to Freemasonry. The first degree initiates the candidate and begins the journey of symbolic self-discovery, typically within your first year of membership.

Fellow Craft

The second degree focuses on learning and the expansion of knowledge. The Fellow Craft is taught to pursue wisdom and apply their skills in service to their brethren and community.

Master Mason

The third and final craft degree confers full membership. It is one of the most powerful and moving ceremonies in Freemasonry, rich in symbolism and moral teaching.

Giving Back

Our charitable work

Our Charitable Work

From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been concerned with charity — caring for orphans, the sick and the aged. That work continues today and extends well beyond our own, with large sums given to national and local causes, and Freemasons among the first to help with worldwide disasters.

In recent years Freemasonry has funded lifeboats, air ambulances, medical response vehicles and specialist equipment. Donations come entirely from members — through collections at meetings, regular giving, and events from barbecues and sponsored walks to a Ladies' Night raffle.

Visit the Charitable Foundation

"Freemasonry is one of the biggest charitable givers in the country, donating £51.1 million to good causes in 2020 alone."

Through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, the Craft tackles major challenges — from reducing loneliness in later life to medical research into cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can become a Freemason?

Membership of the United Grand Lodge of England is open to men aged 18 and over who can affirm a belief in a Supreme Being. Members are drawn from all ages, races, religions and backgrounds — from chief executives to manual workers. Women are welcome to join one of the two women's Grand Lodges, with whom we have a close and respectful relationship.

Do I need to know a Freemason to join?

No. While many members are introduced by a friend or relative, you do not need to know an existing Freemason. You can simply contact the lodge directly to register your interest and arrange an informal conversation. A warm welcome will await you.

What happens at a lodge meeting?

Meetings centre on three degree ceremonies — essentially one-act plays, each representing a stage in life and teaching members how to be better people. As an Entered Apprentice you learn that all are born equal; as a Fellow Craft, the importance of improving yourself; and as a Master Mason, to use your one life wisely. After the meeting, members dine together at the Festive Board to enjoy good food and good company.

Is Freemasonry a religion?

No. Freemasonry is not a religion and does not replace one. Members are asked to hold a belief in a Supreme Being, but this is phrased to be fully inclusive of all faiths. Members follow their own religion, and religion is not discussed at meetings.

How much does it cost?

There is a one-off initiation payment when you join, plus the annual lodge subscription, which averages around £175 (with local variation). Attendance at the Festive Board dinner after each meeting is paid separately and is desirable but not compulsory. Charitable giving is entirely voluntary, with no upper or lower limit. Freemasonry should never harm a member's family or finances, so we encourage you to discuss joining with your family first.

When and where does the lodge meet?

Fountain Head Lodge holds four regular meetings a year: the first Thursday in April, the second Thursday in June, the fourth Thursday in September, and the third Thursday in December. Meetings are held at the Croydon Masonic Halls, 73 Oakfield Road, Croydon CR0 2UX — within walking distance of West Croydon, with parking nearby. We also hold Lodges of Instruction through the year to learn and rehearse the ritual.

Will I get preferential treatment, or can I promote my business?

No. A Freemason's duty as a citizen must always prevail over any obligation to other members, and any attempt to gain unfair advantage is contrary to that duty. Using membership to promote your business or personal interests is not permitted and can lead to a member losing their membership.

Begin Your Journey

Ready to find out more?

We welcome enquiries from all men aged over 18 living or working in Croydon and the surrounding area. No pressure, no obligation — simply an invitation to learn more.

Email us and a member of the lodge will be in touch.

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© 2025 Fountain Head Lodge No. 9707 · Province of Surrey