Benvenuti to the
Britalia Garibaldi Lodge
N. 10020
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations.
We are a secular society open to men of any race, religion, political belief or status.
Based upon the traditions of medieval stonemasons who built our castles and cathedrals, today we still use the stonemason’s tools as symbols of our aim to ‘build’ better men and a better world for everyone, whatever their background.
About the Britalia Garibaldi Lodge
The Britalia Garibaldi Lodge was consecrated in June 2022 and formed as an Anglo Italian Lodge. This is because of the connection between many generations of British born Italians and the local communities into which we have integrated. It is a celebration of our heritage and also the relationship that Freemasonry envelops within our community. There is a further connection between Garibaldi and Bedford because of his famous visit to the town in April 1864.
The Lodge number, 10020, is the 10,020th consecrated Lodge under the United Grand Lodge of England.
The British and Italian flags are joined together in Masonic unity by the Square and Compasses,
the most identified mark in Freemasonry.
The Square symbolises Virtue and the Compasses represent Wisdom.
The laurel wreath was originally used in ancient Greece and adopted by the Romans as an emblem of victory and triumph. In more recent times, it represents achievement.
The Stella D’Italia (Star of Italy) is the oldest national symbol of Italy and metaphorically represents the shining destiny, future and unity of Italy.
Our motto – Honor Amicitia Integritas means Honour Friendship and Integrity.
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Charities that we have been proud to support
Can anyone become a Freemason?
Yes, we have members from all walks of life, race, religion or background. Our main aim is to make good men better. Also, contrary to popular belief, Ladies Lodges exist.
The Guiding principles of Freemasonry
What do Freemasons believe? For Freemasons, there are four important values that help define their path through life: Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. In today's world filled with uncertainty, these principles ring as true now as they have at any point in the organisation's history.
INTEGRITY
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.
FRIENDSHIP
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.
RESPECT
From it's earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.
SERVICE
Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.
What goes on in a Lodge Meeting?
There are three ‘degree ceremonies’ performed during masonic meetings. They are essentially one act plays and teach members how to be better people and each play represents a different stage in life.
As an ‘initiate’ or Entered Apprentice, Freemasons are taught we are all born equal, we learn that in life some do better than others and it is up to those that do well to look after the less fortunate. From this stems our belief in the importance of Charity.
The next stage is to become a ‘Fellow Craft’ where Freemasons are taught the importance of improving yourself as a person, and finally as a ‘Master Mason’, where we learn that we have but one life, and the importance of using it wisely.
The details of the ceremonies can easily be accessed online but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself.
After the meetings members dine together informally in order to enjoy good food, good wine, and good company. And most importantly, to have fun together.
Interested in joining our Lodge?
Contact us to arrange a chat: britaliagaribaldilodge@gmail.com
The Britalia Garibaldi welcomes new members from all nationalities, not just British and
Italian, and from all religions, races and backgrounds. We meet six times a year at the Keep, Kempston, Bedford in October, November, December, February, March and April and we attend a Lodge of Instruction two or three times a month during the Masonic season. We also have a number of activities and events to raise money for charity and connect with our local community.
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The Founding Members of the Lodge
Garibaldi's visit to Bedford - 15th April 1864
James Howard, the Mayor of Bedford, received an urgent telegram from the Duke of Sutherland
(who was hosting the visit by Garibaldi in London) saying that in a conversation, Garibaldi had expressed an interest in seeing the Howard brothers (James & Frederick) innovative steam cultivator built in Bedford at the Britannia Iron Works. Bedford had just 24 hours to prepare for the visit. The news spread quickly around the town.
On Friday 15th April 1864, the train arrived in Bedford from London soon after 11.00 am. Garibaldi was welcomed by the Howard family, Samuel Whitbread MP for Bedford and other VIPs as well as a large local crowd to welcome the Italian hero.
Bedford at the time had a population of approx. 15,000 inhabitants and had never before had such an important and illustrious world figure who inspired and motivated huge crowds wherever he went in the world. Most of the large cities all over the UK had sent invitations to Garibaldi to visit them but time prevented him from doing so – yet Bedford, a small county town, was proudly chosen.
The crowds of well - wishers lined the route through Bedford with hundreds of welcoming flags, banners and posters. The main procession route was along the train station, the High St, Tavistock St, Clapham Rd and St Peter’s Green, where speeches and presentations were made and a copy of The Pilgrims Progress was presented to the General.
Garibaldi was shown around The Britannia Iron Works to see the manufacture of farming equipment in a bath chair because of a leg injury (one of his many battle wounds). He also planted a Sequoia tree in the front lawn of the factory to commemorate his visit. He positioned the tree and added a few shovels of soil, when James Howard suggested that would be enough, but Garibaldi answered: “it is not done” and carried on until the tree was fully planted. Sadly, the tree had to be cut down in 1944 because of a lightning strike and decay but a section of that tree is now on display in The Higgins Museum.
Another stop was to Clapham Park Farm, owned by the Howard family to see a demonstration of
a patented cultivating and ploughing steam machine which impressed Garibaldi as he had a great interest in agriculture.
The Howards hosted a lunch for Garibaldi, his entourage and other dignitaries at their house.
At the lunch, Garibaldi said in a toast:
“I am quite happy to be here today and I thank you very much for your great kindness. I give my thanks to this family of Howard who have done so much for agriculture and I give thanks also to this good company. I shall never forget you and my visit here and I will now drink to you”. (cheers).
Mr Howard snr replied to the toast saying: “General, the honour that is done to my sons, I feel as honour done to me. And for this little town of Bedford, I will answer that, although we may be unable to show you a procession three miles in length, such as has been witnessed by you on your first arrival in this country, we can give you the heartiest welcome that you can ever receive. (cheers). Your merits are well known here and duly appreciated. You have proved yourself to be a patriot and a philanthropist in delivering your country from a cruel despotism and I am quite sure that the present company will unite with me in cordially wishing you a long and happy life and a peaceful end”. (cheers).
Garibaldi’s visit to Bedford was considered an extremely important event. It was reported in a special edition of the Bedford Times and published extensively in many other leading newspapers and magazines in the UK and around the world.
References and thanks: The Bedford Times, The Higgins Museum, Britannica, various archives, articles and books on Garibaldi.
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