WESTBOURNE HOUSE · OTLEY

A
Remarkable House with a Story to Tell

At the heart of Freemasonry and community life in Otley for more than sixty years.

THE STORY OF WESTBOURNE HOUSE

A House With History

Westbourne House has stood in Otley since the nineteenth century. Built around 1840, it was once the home of William Ackroyd, a prominent figure in the town’s textile industry.

More than a century later, the house began another chapter in its history when it became the home of Freemasonry in Otley — a role it has continued to fulfil for more than sixty years.

WESTBOURNE HOUSE · BUILT c.1840

FROM PRIVATE HOME TO MASONIC HOME

A New Chapter Begins

In the 1960s, Westbourne House entered a new chapter in its long history when it was acquired to provide a permanent home for Freemasonry in Otley.

c.1840

WESTBOURNE HOUSE IS BUILT

Built as the home of William Ackroyd, a prominent figure in Otley’s textile industry.

1965–66

A NEW MASONIC HOME

Westbourne House is acquired to provide a permanent home for Freemasonry in Otley

TODAY

PART OF OTLEY'S COMMUNITY

Still home to Freemasonry, Westbourne House also welcomes people from across the community for meetings, celebrations and events.

MORE THAN A MASONIC HALL

A House Full of Life

Westbourne House today is a place where tradition and community come together.

Throughout the year it welcomes Freemasons, families, friends and local organisations for celebrations, charitable events, remembrance, weddings, funerals, community groups and social occasions.

While its heritage is important, its purpose has always been about bringing people together.

  • A welcoming home for Freemasonry in Otley.
  • A venue for weddings, celebrations and community events.
  • Supporting charities and local organisations throughout Wharfedale.
  • Preserving a remarkable historic building for future generations.

DISCOVER WESTBOURNE HOUSE

Inside Westbourne House

From its traditional Masonic rooms to its welcoming dining and social spaces, Westbourne House is a building with many different sides to discover.

WHERE TRADITION COMES TO LIFE

The Garden Room

AN INTIMATE SPACE TO MEET AND DINE

The Grounds

SPACE TO RELAX AND GATHER

Leodiensis 4029 at a Glance

Leodiensis Lodge, established over 100 years ago, holds its meetings at Westbourne House in Otley.

For individuals interested in Freemasonry but with limited time, we may be the ideal choice, as we hold only five formal meetings each year, starting at 6:30 pm. These meetings occur on the second Thursday in June (for our Installation), as well as in October, December, February, and April.

In addition to our formal meetings, we gather at least a couple of times each month for regular practices and social events.

The annual membership fee is currently £190. The dress code for our Lodge is a dark suit and white gloves.

 
 
 
 
 
Contact Us

Leodiensis at a Glance

Leodiensis Lodge No 4029

Why Consider Freemasonry?

Are you at a stage in life where you’re looking for something more—a chance to join an organization that truly makes a positive difference? If so, Freemasonry could be exactly what you’re seeking.

Freemasonry is unlike any other group. It unites individuals from all walks of life, regardless of background, gender, or faith. It’s a community of like-minded people, all bound by a common dedication to helping others and living lives filled with purpose and fulfillment.

If you have a genuine desire to contribute, connect, and grow in meaningful ways, take a closer look at what Freemasonry has to offer.

What makes Freemasonry unique among organizations?

When you join Freemasonry, you begin a journey of personal discovery unlike any other. One of the defining aspects of Freemasonry is the “shared experience” of the Initiation Ceremony—a profound moment for many that marks the start of this path.

Every Mason undergoes this experience upon joining, and several similar rites follow throughout the early stages of Masonic membership. Each step reveals something meaningful about yourself, others, and the rich history of Freemasonry—a tradition practiced across the United Kingdom and worldwide.

What can you expect from Freemasonry.

Moral and Ethical Growth – Freemasonry promotes virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and charity. Members work on improving themselves to become better individuals.  Strong Bonds – Freemasonry fosters deep, lifelong friendships among members who share common values.

Support System – Freemasonry emphasises care for one another, offering emotional and practical support during challenging times.