Corbie Lodge

Origins and Foundation

The idea to form Corbie Lodge began in 1982, driven by a growing Masonic community in Corby and a desire to establish a new lodge with its own identity. After three years of careful planning and coordination, a group of twenty-one founding members came together to bring the idea to life.

Thistle & Rose Lodge No 6644—the first lodge in Corby—agreed to act as the sponsoring lodge. The petition for the new lodge received the approval of the Provincial Grand Master at the time, R.W. Bro R. Sandbach.

Corbie Lodge was formally consecrated on Saturday 11 May 1985 at the Masonic Hall on Rockingham Road, Corby. The ceremony was conducted by the Provincial Grand Master and his officers. A total of 122 people attended the event, including the founders and visiting brethren. A festive board followed the ceremony, marking the occasion with a sense of pride and celebration.

Early Meetings and First Officers

The first regular lodge meeting took place on 18 September 1985. Bro R.B. Gamble was installed as the first Worshipful Master of the lodge. In November of that year, a formal dedication ceremony was held for the lodge banner, which had been designed to reflect the heritage of its founders and the town itself.

The Lodge Banner and Symbolism

The Corbie Lodge banner carries deep symbolic meaning tied to both the lodge’s origins and local history. The thistle and the rose represent its mother lodge, Thistle & Rose No 6644. A willowbrook appears in recognition of Willowbrook Lodge No 7439, based in Kettering, which provided many of the founding members.

At the centre of the banner is the Corby Raven—a symbol that has represented the town for centuries. The surrounding rocks represent the iron-rich land of Corby and the solid foundations of the area, with nearby Kirby Hall serving as a symbol of that strength. The lodge’s name uses the Domesday spelling “Corbie,” recorded in 1086, to emphasise its historic connection to the town.

Growth and Community

From the outset, Corbie Lodge developed a reputation for being welcoming and active. It contributed to the life of the Corby Masonic Complex and worked closely with other local lodges. The strong foundation set by its founders created a lodge culture focused on ritual, fellowship, and continuity.

The lodge has marked its anniversaries with pride and has continued to uphold the values it was founded on. Its members include Masons with deep family ties to the town and those who found their way to Freemasonry later in life.

Today

Corbie Lodge continues to meet at the Masonic Hall on Rockingham Road. Its membership reflects a mix of experienced Masons and newer initiates who bring fresh energy and ideas.

With a banner that honours its roots and a name drawn from the town’s ancient past, Corbie Lodge stands as a symbol of continuity—built on tradition, shaped by the community, and committed to the future of Freemasonry in Corby.