“A Masonic lodge named after a palace?” Whispered one visitor to another, squinting at the unassuming building before them. Yes, this is Alexandra Lodge. It might not have the grandeur of its namesake, Alexandra Palace, but its story is no less fascinating. Founded in 1875, the lodge’s founders initially held their meetings at the grand Alexandra Palace in Muswell Hill. They envisioned their lodge, named Alexandra Palace Lodge, thriving in the palace’s shadow. However, the city beckoned. In 1882 they made a pivotal decision: to move their meetings to the heart of London. From the Imperial Hotel to the Gaiety Restaurant, from the Abercorn Rooms to the Café Monico, Alexandra Lodge has journeyed through some of London’s most iconic venues. Each location has left its mark, weaving a rich tapestry of history for the lodge. Today, Alexandra Lodge continues its legacy, a hidden gem in the bustling cityscape, a reminder that history often unfolds in the most unexpected places.
Southfields Methodist Church
Curiosity stirred within the heart of Southfields as a new chapter began. Southfields Methodist Church held its first public service