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The Masonic Hall in Dagger Lane is the oldest purpose built building in continuous occupation in the Province. In 1802 the Temple was being built on a piece of land belonging to, and ajoining, a Chapel built in 1698 by the Presbyterians. The Temple was situated in Daggard Lane, now know as DAGGER LANE. The building was consecrated in 1802. Originally only the first floor was used for Freemasonry, the ground floor being used for various purposes including a slaughter-house a warehouse and the premises of a currier. In 1843 the Hall received a major facelift, being painted and decorated. The busts of Ajax, Homer, Lord Zetland, the Grand Master, Frank Appleyard, the designer of the Lodge room, and Thomas Earle who fashioned the busts, began to appear. In 1863 the building underwent substantial improvement work, so extensive that a re-consecration with full ceremonies was required. The Hall's fortunes improved further in 1874 when the Lodge not only purchased the freehold from the Chapel trustees but the Chapel itself was up for sale so this was also purchased and added to the Hall to make the present premises. The Hall, like much of Hull, didn't escape the attention of the Luftwaffe in WW2 and suffered serious damage but the most recent threat to the Hall was from the local authorities who made a compulsory purchase order and threatened demolition. This was vigorously fought and defeated and as late as 1986 the Hall was declared a protected building of major historical value. |