Quatuor Coronati is the world’s premier Masonic research lodge.
Established in 1884 and consecrated in 1886, the founders adopted an evidence-based approach to Masonic history that replaced the more imaginative writings of earlier authors; it became known as the ‘authentic school’ of Masonic research.
Quatuor Coronati (QC) maintains the same principles today. The Lodge holds meetings incorporating lectures five times a year, usually at Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London. The Lodge also publishes lectures, research papers and ‘Notes & Queries’ in Ars Quatuor Coronatorum – AQC, the annual Transactions of the Lodge, and arranges conferences & symposia on many different aspects of Freemasonry.
In addition, QC oversees the annual Norman B Spencer Prize, one of the most prestigious Masonic Research awards in the world. The 2024 winner of the NBS prize is Alan T. Robertson with ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier… and others: the Freemasons of Worcestershire, c.1750-1850’
QC shares its research and encourages scholarship via the QC Correspondence Circle – QCCC – the world’s first and oldest Masonic research society established over 135 years ago. Wherever you are based, from the Americas to Europe, India, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, or the rest of the world, we would be delighted if you were to join us as a member of QCCC. We are an international community and QCCC is open to everyone.
The first and easiest way to get involved is to join the QC Correspondence Circle – ‘QCCC’.
QCCC is an international Masonic research community. Members receive a copy of AQC – our Transactions, which contains papers delivered in Lodge, ancillary papers, and ‘Notes & Queries’. They benefit from prior access to research papers; invitations to seminars and conferences; discounts on Masonic books and regalia; and assistance with research.
Those who are members of UGLE or in a jurisdiction recognised by UGLE are welcome to attend our Lodge meetings and to bring guests. Members, regardless of rank, are also entitled to wear the bespoke QC jewel, lapel pin and tie.
All members are welcome to provide comments on papers presented in Lodge and to contribute to ‘Notes & Queries’. And they are encouraged to submit original unpublished research papers. If accepted, the author may be invited to present the paper in person. Details of how to submit papers to QC are available here.
Membership is open to all. Please click here for details of costs and how to join.
QC’s purpose has remained broadly the same for over a century: to maintain an interest in Masonic research by presenting and discussing original research papers; publishing papers and comments in AQC; and supporting and encouraging Masonic scholars globally.
The Objects of the Lodge were set out in the first volume of AQC:
Each of these aims remain valid except the last. Quatuor Coronati found a permanent home in Freemasons’ Hall, Great Queen Street, London, and the Library & Museum houses our books and archives and stores certain of our possessions. Others have been gifted or placed on loan to Masonic museums elsewhere. Advances in technology have relieved us of the need for a physical office and permanent staff, and QCCC is administered today by a small number of volunteers.
