In 1913, a number of members of the ‘Duke of Cornwall Lodge No.1839’ suggested forming a new lodge, some of their more enthusiastic members met every Wednesday afternoon, at The School of Instruction held at ‘The Eagle’, City Road, London.
One of the reasons for forming a new lodge was to enable brethren to remain together during the summer months. It was suggested that the name of the new Lodge should be, Summer Lodge, however, after discussion it was finally agreed to associate the name with The Eagle Tavern, (famous for its well-known jingle).
“Up and down the City Road in and out the Eagle that’s the way the money goes, pop goes the weasel”.
The weasel being a colloquial name given to the large flat iron, used by the tailors prominent in the area. It would appear, that it was the custom to pop the weasel into a pawn shop, to raise money for refreshment at the Eagle.
The Latin name for Eagle is Aquila however the Aquila Lodge already existed, not to be deterred they turn to the older classical language, Greek and adopted the name Aetos meaning Eagle.
The crest of the lodge typifies our association with its name in the centre of the crest we have a double circle in which is inserted Aetos Lodge 3702 the inner circle depicts a sun rising with radiant splendour symbolically to enliven the day. This is all flanked by 2 masonic pillars surrounded by laurel leaves, the whole is crowned by an eagle in majestic flight. Thus, name and crest are blended in harmony.
The warrant bearing the signatures of the 34 founders was issued on the 3rd November 1913 and the consecration of our lodge took place at the Great Eastern Hotel on 5th January 1914. On 2nd September 1914 it was decided to move the lodge to the Café Royal, Regent Street. The lodge continued meeting at the Café Royal until it closed its doors at the start of the 2nd world war, fortunately we were able to move to Freemasons Hall where we still meet today.
