Royal Lodge of Friendship 278

The Royal Lodge of Friendship is one of the oldest Lodges in the world being able to trace its history back to December 1st, 1788. Aside from its many interesting historical claims (including royalty and the Victoria Cross), today the Lodge enjoys a diverse membership with a full social calendar.

In early years, there are many interesting stories recorded in the Lodge history.

- The early Treasurers job cannot have been an envied position, as coinages used included Cobbs, pistoles, rials and doubloons.

- In 1834 the Lodge was almost wiped out by an outbreak of Cholera in Gibraltar.

- During the First World War, frequent collections were made for a fund for Brethren interned as Prisoners-of-War in Germany. On many occasions ceremonies were cancelled due to the absence of candidates.

- In 1941 the District Grand Master took the Chair at the October meeting as the Master of the Lodge was presumed dead in action.

Royal Patronage

Apart from the unique record of having four Victoria Cross holders, the Royal Lodge of Friendship has included amongst its ranks H.R.H. Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, the seventh child and third son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who became a member in December 1875, later becoming a Permanent Honorary Member in 1880.

The Lodge was granted a Centenary Warrant in 1892, backdated to 1889, and in 1903 Prince Arthur became Grand Master, when The Lodge of Friendship was granted the royal prefix.

Diverse Membership

The Lodge currently enjoys a diverse membership consisting of Brethren from the United Kingdom, Spain, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia and of course, Gibraltar. The international character of the lodge has made it particularly appealing to individuals who have relocated to Gibraltar or southern Spain.

Following from its honourable past Brethren, the Royal Lodge of Friendship has a lively and young mindset with members of all ages. This can be seen in its wide age range (20s to 90s) and the youngest ever Worshipful Master in Gibraltar’s history (23 years old) in the year 2023-24. Also, possibly the youngest District Officer in UGLE's history (at 22 years old in 2022).

Social Calendar

As its name suggests, members of the Lodge strive to extend the hand of friendship.

As such, Royal Lodge of Friendship hold numerous social events throughout the year, including monthly Lunches at the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club, a summer BBQ, and annual Lodge dinners and family events. Likewise, its charitable donations are far-reaching and varied, with a particularly strong support of Teddies for Loving Care.

Royal Lodge of Friendship shares its 278 number with, and is linked to The Calpean Chapter No.278, and Mediterranean Mark No. 278.