OVER the last month, and for the first time in its 152-year history, the public have been

admitted through the normally closed doors of the Freemasons' Mark Master Lodge in Liskeard.

People were given the opportunity to admire the magnificent Victorian architecture of the St Martin's 379 Lodge room, situated above the opticians on The Parade, in connection with a recent heritage exhibition at Stuart House focusing on the work of South East Cornwall architect John Paul.

The masonic building, which opened in 1862, was the work of John Paul, who was from Morval and was himself a freemason. He worked with Liskeard's foremost and best-known architect, Henry Rice, who, it is said, valued John Paul's meticulous work.

A number of visitors were fascinated by the previously hidden architecture to be found in the lodge, and were impressed by the room's history and the beautiful stained glass windows.

A special preview evening of the John Paul exhibition was attended by Miss Maureen Fuller, Grand Bard of the Gorsedh, along with John Paul's great granddaughter, Juliet Jenkin, whose talk on the architect was greatly enjoyed.

Also among those present were John Paul's great great grandson Vyvyan Jenkin, freemasons from St Martin's Lodge and trustees of Stuart House.

All the exhibits concerning the life and career of John Paul will be kept at Stuart House, along with the Henry Rice archives.