Our history
The Freemasons Arms has been welcoming guests since 1851, and we’re proud to still be delivering excellent hospitality, award-winning dining and carefully sourced ales to date. Let us tell you about the journey that the Freemasons Arms has taken to the present day.
Since
1851
Mysterious masons
Although no one knows for certain, the origins of the Freemasons are thought to date back to the stone masons' guilds of the middle ages. The symbols commonly associated with the group date back to the tools used in this era, and the most famous of these, the square and compasses form our logo.
Since 1851
We've traced the history of the pub back to 1851 when we know it was owned by Thomas Wells and his wife Ann. The 1851 census lists Thomas's occupation as 'Farmer and Innkeeper', and after his death in 1859, Ann continued to run the Freemasons Arms.
A right royal race
In July 2014 the Tour de France came to Yorkshire for Le Grand Depart. Spectators arrived from all over the country to see the first stage of the race. Those visitors included the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who chose the Freemasons Arms for a private dinner. We were delighted to welcome our royal guests and share some of our world-renowned Yorkshire hospitality as well as our delicious and sophisticated cuisine.
New chefs, new look
An elegant and contemporary new look for the logo, website and interior design of Freemasons Arms, coincided with a re-defined and finessed menu. Seasonal, fresh, local produce is now at the heart of every dish created by our talented new chef's. The delicious and acclaimed food on offer includes unique and exclusive dishes for which Freemasons Arms is commended.
