Masonic Hall
The Masonic Hall forms part of an interesting group of 18th century buildings consisting of Nos. 41, 41a, 43 and 45. This group is notable for its irregularity and way they interact which is suggestive of a communal enterprise.
The existence of the Masonic Hall is an indication of Pickwick’s importance at this at time. It consists of 2 bays of a 3-bay late 18th century house with an attached hall behind.
The south wall features a large clock and fine painted glass window showing a river or lake with rushes and fishes and herons which can be seen from the Bath Road:
There is a flush-panelled door in an architrave with a large open pedimented hood on brackets. The Masonic symbol is prominent under the pediment.
Read more about Thomas Bullock, the maker of the Masonic clock
The hall is said to have been a billiard room for Beechfield House and runs west from the rear north-west angle and comprises rubble stone with stone tiles, one buttress, a moulded 19th century Gothic two-light window with pointed lights and circular-section mouldings.
Read the Wiltshire Buildings Record study to find out more about the Masons in Corsham
With thanks to ‘A History of Pickwick and its buildings’ [unpublished] by John Maloney