Our Heritage
A History Rooted in Wednesbury
From a medieval well recorded in the Domesday Book to a consecrated Lodge of the United Grand Lodge of England. Discover the story behind Oakeswell Lodge No. 8117.
Where Our Name Comes From
The Well That Gave Us Our Name
Oakeswell Lodge takes its name from the medieval Oakes Well, documented in the Domesday Book of 1080 AD. The well once provided a vital water supply to the people of Wednesbury, and its memory is preserved today at Newhall Place on Walsall Street, marked by a stone archway and commemorative plaque.
Nearby stood Oakeswell Hall, a manor house sold to William Byng in 1421 and demolished in the 1960s. Dr Arnold Blackwell, a resident physician of the area and founding member of our Lodge, served as its first Treasurer, cementing a bond between Oakeswell Lodge and the local heritage it honours to this day.
Nearly a Millennium in the Making
Our Timeline
1080
Oakes Well Recorded
The medieval Oakes Well appears in the Domesday Book, a vital water supply for the people of Wednesbury.
1080
Oakes Well Recorded
The medieval Oakes Well appears in the Domesday Book, a vital water supply for the people of Wednesbury.
1421
Oakeswell Hall
The manor house standing on the well’s grounds is sold to William Byng, becoming a fixture of the town for centuries.
1421
Oakeswell Hall
The manor house standing on the well’s grounds is sold to William Byng, becoming a fixture of the town for centuries.
1857
St Bartholomew Lodge No. 696
Our Masonic lineage begins, laying the foundations of fellowship that Oakeswell Lodge continues today.
1857
St Bartholomew Lodge No. 696
Our Masonic lineage begins, laying the foundations of fellowship that Oakeswell Lodge continues today.
1966
Lodge Approved
On 8 June 1966, the formation of Oakeswell Lodge is formally approved.
1966
Lodge Approved
On 8 June 1966, the formation of Oakeswell Lodge is formally approved.
1967
Consecrated
Oakeswell Lodge No. 8117 is consecrated on 26 January 1967 under the United Grand Lodge of England.
1967
Consecrated
Oakeswell Lodge No. 8117 is consecrated on 26 January 1967 under the United Grand Lodge of England.
Today
A Living Tradition
We continue to welcome brethren from Wolverhampton, Walsall, Wednesbury, Bilston and beyond into a thriving fellowship.
Today
A Living Tradition
We continue to welcome brethren from Wolverhampton, Walsall, Wednesbury, Bilston and beyond into a thriving fellowship.
Our Mission
Oakeswell Lodge exists to foster fellowship, integrity, and service to the community, while honouring Wednesbury’s heritage and serving the wider West Midlands. We believe Freemasonry is a lifelong journey of friendship, purpose and positive impact, not merely rituals or symbols.
Meetings & Constitution
- Regular meetings: Fourth Tuesday of January, February, March, April, October and November
- Instruction meetings: Third Thursday of most months, January–May and September–November
- Constitution: United Grand Lodge of England, Staffordshire Province
- Meeting place: 1 Trouse Lane, Wednesbury, WS10 7HR
Ready to Begin Your Masonic Journey?
No invitation is needed. Whether you are curious about Freemasonry or ready to apply, our brethren at Oakeswell Lodge would be glad to hear from you.