Since 1745
More than 280 years in Dundee.
Ancient 49 has lived through industrial Dundee, two world wars and generations of social change. The surroundings evolved; the commitment to character, friendship and service endured.
A public timeline
One Lodge. Many Dundee stories.
This is a concise public history. We are continuing to develop the archive and welcome historical information or photographs connected with Ancient 49.
- 1736
A Grand Lodge for Scotland
The Grand Lodge of Scotland is founded in Edinburgh, bringing together a uniquely old Scottish Masonic tradition.
- 1745
Ancient No. 49 is chartered
The Lodge begins its story in Dundee—a story that has continued through profound change in the city and the world around it.
- 1916
Two hundred members serving
A wartime Roll of Honour recorded 200 members enlisted in the Forces. The Lodge memorial ultimately commemorated 23 brethren who died in the First World War.
- 1921
The memorial is unveiled
Brother A. Ramsay, Past Provincial Grand Master, unveiled the white-marble memorial in the Lodge's former Rankine's Court premises on 28 October.
- 1949
A new home in Artillery Lane
The Lodge moved from Rankine's Court to Artillery Lane. The memorial moved with it and remains part of the building's public heritage.
- TODAY
The work continues
Meetings, education, charity, fellowship, public open days and community events keep Ancient 49 active rather than merely historic.
Remembering service
The Great War memorial
Ancient 49's memorial is a white-marble tablet framed by black marble pillars. It names 23 brethren who died in service during the First World War.
It is more than an object from the past. It records the scale of service and loss within one Dundee community—and the Lodge's duty to remember it.
View the Imperial War Museums record“Their name liveth for evermore”Inscription on the Lodge memorial
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