VE Day 80 Blue Plaque celebration at former Colchester Guardhouse

News stories bringing the history of Essex Freemasons alive to a modern audience

On Monday 5th May 2025 as part of the VE Day 80 celebrations, a blue plaque was unveiled by the MP for Colchester, Pam Cox, at the newly renovated guardhouse at the former main entrance of Cavalry Barracks. Completed in May 1864 to accommodate 2,500 men it was built of brick, unlike earlier hutted or tented barracks.

When Cavalry Barracks was built, the Provincial Grand Master of Essex was Robert Bagshaw. Although, not a soldier himself, he was initiated at 21 into the Lodge of Sincere Friendship which met in the garrison at Fort Chunar, strategically overlooking the River Ganges. He joined other lodges and served for 16 years as the Secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Calcutta.

At Colchester Town Hall, after presiding over the Provincial Grand Lodge Meeting in June 1857, Robert Bagshaw consecrated United Lodge No. 697 which was formed to give military masons stationed at Colchester Garrison the opportunity to advance in Freemasonry between postings; something they could not easily do in Angel Lodge No. 51, the sponsoring local lodge and the oldest in Essex, formed in 1735.

United Lodge gave Robert Bagshaw great pleasure. He noted the coincidence of Colchester becoming a depot for a large portion of the Indian army and that he had lived in India. He subsequently went as a visitor to United Lodge where he shared his familiarity with Indian Lodges and assured the United Lodge members that they would be warmly welcomed in Freemasonry there.

Did you know?

1. Troop Seargeant-Major Richard Williams was initiated into United Lodge in 1866. He was a sergeant in the 17th Lancers nicknamed the ‘Death or Glory Boys’, which led the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854 in the Crimean War. Of the ‘Noble 600’, 150 were in 17th Lancers of which only three officers and 50 men returned.

2. Thomas Dunckerley, the first Provincial Grand Master of Essex, fought at the Battle of Quebec in 1759 where General Wolfe was mortally wounded. Colonel John Hale was despatched to England with the news. He was commissioned to raise what became the 17th Lancers. The cap badge with the skull and crossbones and the regimental motto ‘Death or Glory’ are in memory of General Wolfe’s death.

Listen to A History of Brotherhood and Legacy, 22 mins.       https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKFOfuGkJ7s

Foundation Stone, The Official Essex Masonic Podcast

Pictures

Top (L-R): Blue plaque unveiled as part of VE Day 80 celebrations May 2025 - New Cavalry Barracks May 1864 - A DC’s dream – the 17th Lancers on Guard Duty c. 1896

Bottom (L-R): Robert Bagshaw, Provincial Grand Master of Essex from 1854 to 1878 - 17th Lancers lead the Charge of the Light Brigade 1854 - Cap Badge of 17th Lancers in memory of General Wolfe’s death.