Masonic Temple at Open House London, 2018
Channel: Londisland
Date: 2018-10-31

Masonic Temple at Open House London, 2018, Andaz Liverpool Street (former Great Eastern Hotel)

This Greek Masonic Temple with Grade II listed marbles was built in 1912 by Charles Barry junior (son of Charles Barry, the architect who was responsible for the Houses of Parliament) and cost £50,000 at the time, which is the equivalent of £4 million today. Inside of the Masonic Temple there are 12 types of marble, all from Italy, and the grandiose throne-like chairs are heavy mahogany.

When the hotel was sold for refurbishment it was so run-down the previous owners had never discovered the temple as it was boarded behind a fake wall! Many believe Jack the Ripper was a Mason and if so would have attended this temple as it is closest to his hunting ground. The Masons helped fund the Temples construction.

Concealed by heavy, studded doors and accessed via a winding staircase & a spacious mahogany-panelled anteroom, the Grecian-style Temple is perhaps Andaz Liverpool Street’s best-kept secret. The century-old room was considered one of the grandest Masonic temples of its time, as its marble columns and splendid zodiac ceiling testify. The impressive space is a popular backdrop for events such as fashion shows, product launches, wedding receptions and cabaret dinners – it does tend to stick in the memory – and the experienced Andaz team is always on hand with innovative ideas to help ensure that organisers make the most of it.

The Temple was first Chaired by Grand Master Duke of Connaught (cousin to Queen Elizabeth). The space features rare marble set in three different types around the room offset by both Doric and ionic columns. A huge round zodiac sign exists on the ceiling and above the thrones is the Latin Avdi Veda Tace (Hear, See, Keep Counsel).

Масонский храм на Ливерпуль-стрит расположен на месте первой Вифлеемской больницы (Bethlehem Hospital), основанной в 1247 году. Бывший отель Great Eastern Hotel (а в настоящее время отель Andaz Liverpool Street hotel) представляет из себя неброское здание из красного кирпича.  Но внутри можно найти примечательные интерьеры. Поднявшись по мраморной лестнице и пройдя вдоль лабиринта коридоров,  вы наткнетесь на масонский храм, построенный в греческом стиле в 1912 году и стоивший 50 тысяч фунтов (эквивалентно 4 млн на сегодняшний день). Прихожая, облицованная деревянными панелями, ведет в помещение самого храма, отделанного 12 различными видами мрамора под сине-золотым потолком со изображением знаков Зодиака.

Filmed in September, 2018