A Brief History of the Masons Arms

The Masons Arms is one of the region’s most historic hostelries, and is now in its fourth century of service. Nestling in the Cornmarket, in the heart of Louth, this Inn started life as the Bricklayers Arms and is reputed to have been built in 1715, although the discovery of Tudor post holes during alteration work suggests that it may be even older. It is now a Grade II listed building.

The Louth Masonic Lodge met at the Bricklayers Arms and became influential in the business community of the town. To reflect the status of the Lodge funds were raised and in 1795 the name of the Inn was changed to the Masons Arms along with some refurbishment which introduced the recognisable Masonic symbols to fireplaces, doors and windows that can still be found in the building today.

First licensed in 1782 the Inn has a long history of as a Posting station for mail coaches, and a Staging-House for horse drawn buses. By the 20th century it had 17 bedrooms, a spacious billiard room and stabling for 70 horses

In 1908, the Masonic Hall was built and the lodge was relocated, leaving the Masons Arms with no Masonic connections as it stands today.

In the 1920’s, the wine lists show bottles of Burgundy and Bordeaux at five shillings, and Veuve Cliquot Champagne at twenty shillings – wines that supported a fine expensive cuisine. It is reputed that much trade was done between farmers and merchants in the market bar, as it was a regular meeting place for businessmen.