St Giles Masonic Centre
St John's Green, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ
St Giles was built sometime between 1133 and 1171 in the monastic cemetery of St John's Abbey, whose gatehouse survives nearby. It was extended in the late medieval period with the addition of a north aisle (14th century) and a north chapel (c. 1500) which was used as the burial place of the Lucas family who lived at St John's Abbey after it was dissolved in 1539. Amongst the graves are those of the Royalist commanders during the Siege of Colchester in 1648, Sir George Lucas and Sir Charles Lisle, who were executed at the end of the siege. The timber-framed and weather-boarded west tower is thought to have been rebuilt as part of extensive alterations by Joseph Perkins in 1819. The church was again refurbished in 1907 by Sir Arthur Blomfield when the magnificent east window showing Christ in Majesty was added.
The building is now the meeting place of the oldest Masonic Lodge in Essex, Angel Lodge.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 08 September:
- Tours at 1100, 1230 & 1400
- Sunday 15 September:
- Tours at 1100, 1230 & 1400
Location & directions
St John's Green, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EZ
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Good wheelchair access with a lift to the upper floor.
Additional information
St John's Abbey Gatehouse, nearby on St John's Green, will also be open for Heritage Open Days on Sunday 8 September.
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
