The Masonic Order of Athelstan, founded only in 2005,  is based on the historic records of the life and the legend of King Athelstan. The focus of the Order is to show how this early reference to the importance of Masonry in English history was significant for the development of speculative Freemasonry.

The Order, in England and Wales, is structured so that its Provinces, wherever possible, reflect and represent ancient kingdoms of the Anglo-Saxon period. Our Provinces do not therefore correlate directly with the English County divisions. The ancient kingdom of Northumbria covered much of the north of England.

The aim of the Masonic Order of Athelstan is to encourage and prompt its members into further study and research. Candidates are carefully chosen with regard to their interest in Masonic history and are said to be ‘Instructed’ into the Order.

Membership of our Order is strictly invitational, and members are expected to take a wide and committed interest in all aspects of freemasonry, there are therefore mandatory requirements for each member to have current, active and ongoing membership of both Craft and Royal Arch Masonry. To this end we are fully committed to supporting the United Grand Lodge of England and expect all members of the Order to give full support and allegiance to the UGLE.