FREEMASONS in Worcester were honoured yesterday to receive their first visit from their grand master, the Duke of Kent.

The duke was given a guided tour of the Worcester Masonic and banqueting centre in the city’s Rainbow Hill and shown the Worcestershire provincial masonic library and museum. He was welcomed by the provincial grand master of the Freemasons of Worcestershire, Richard Goddard.

The visit coincides with the accreditation of the masonic library and museum by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

It is the first time a masonic museum anywhere in the country has been accredited. The achievement had been attributed to the hard work of curator John Hart and his team. The museum itself contains the largest collection of masonic artefacts outside the museum of the United Grand Lodge of England in London. The collection includes priceless rare artefacts, antique porcelain, embroidery, books, medals, glassware, clothing, masonic jewels, rare books and costumes.

Mr Goddard, said: “The Freemasons of Worcester were today extremely privileged to receive the Duke of Kent as our honoured guest – the first grand master of the United Grand Lodge of England to visit Worcestershire since the foundation of the masonic province in 1847.

“The duke remarked that our museum and library held a magnificent collection of artefacts, and greatly regretted that it had not been possible to spend more time viewing the exhibits.”

The Duke of Kent has been the grand master of the United Grand Lodge of England since 1967. The visit was also attended by Sir Michael Brinton, the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, the Mayor of Worcester, Coun Andy Roberts and the acting chief executive of Worcester City Council, Alan Stuttard, as well as leading Freemasons.

The duke also visited Malvern Library, speaking to representatives of the Royal British Legion.