Doors open to public at ‘secretive’ masonic hall

who built Britain’s cathedrals and castles.

The ‘Brethren’ meet once a month to initiate new members before having a four or five course meal and giving a few short speeches. They occasionally meet to listen to lectures too.

When asked what the initiation ceremonies include, the Lodge’s provincial officer Peter Berry, who has been a member for 43 years, said: “I can’t tell you about that, but I can tell you lots about the history of the building.

“People say we are a secret society. We say we are a society with secrets.”

Built in 1851, the three-storey Holmfirth building was originally known as the Druids’ Hall and had various uses, including as a church and a pub.

The Holme Valley Masonic Lodge No 652, which formed in 1855, bought it in 1917. It currently has 50 members.

On the second floor, there is a bar, a large dining area and a toilet with two cubicles.

On the third floor, a corridor decorated with huge paintings and a memorial board leads to the main room, which has high ceilings and lots of seating centred around exquisite rugs.

On top of one of the podiums stands a large copy of the Bible.

Heritage Open Days, inspired by the National Trust, is an annual national event which provides free access and information about a host of old buildings and properties.

There were nearly 60 places in Kirklees to visit including Huddersfield Railway Station’s water tower.