Since 1906
Our History
Earl Roberts Lodge was warranted in 1906 and first met at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square. Its namesake, Field Marshal Frederick Sleigh Roberts VC — “Bobs” to his soldiers — had been a Freemason since Christmas Eve 1853, when he was initiated in Khyber Lodge at Peshawar. He became a member of the lodge that bears his name, and held the rank of Past Grand Warden.
By 1935 the lodge had 100 members, 16 of them from the 6th City of London Rifles, of which Roberts had been honorary colonel. In 1936 seven of our brethren became founders of the City of London Rifles Lodge No. 5606, which still honours Earl Roberts as its Mother Lodge.
Milestones
Through the years
1906
Earl Roberts Lodge No. 3151 founded, first meeting at the Imperial Hotel, Russell Square.
1908
Lord Roberts becomes honorary colonel of the 6th City of London Rifles.
1914–1918
Roll of Honour: Field Marshal Earl Roberts · Lt P.J. Andersen · 2Lt F.H. Webber MC.
1935
Petition for a regimental lodge.
1936
City of London Rifles Lodge No. 5606 consecrated at Freemasons' Hall on 26 May.
Roberts the Freemason
A brother of many lodges
- Khyber Lodge No. 582 — his mother lodge, Peshawar
- Aldershot Army & Navy Lodge No. 1971
- King's Colonials Lodge No. 3386
- Earl Roberts Lodge No. 3151
- Old Wellingtonian Lodge No. 3404
- Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No. 1
He held the rank of Past Grand Warden, and is named on the Freemasons' VC Memorial at Great Queen Street.