Warranted on the 27th October 1902, the Whitson Lodge meets on the third Saturday in each month (except for June, July, August and September) and holds its Installation at the February meeting.

Formed entirely by members of Canynges Lodge, the Whitson Lodge was the second lodge to be formed in Bristol for the convenience of those who could best attend on Saturdays.

The lodge is named after John Whitson, an influential merchant who lived on Nicholas Street, Bristol during the sixteenth and seventeenth century. During his lifetime, he was elected four times as M.P. for Bristol, twice Mayor and twice Master of the Society of Merchant Venturers, keenly supporting voyages of exploration.

Widely known as a man of large charity, a great friend of the poor, and the founder of the Red Maid’s School, John Whitson died at the age of seventy-one through a fall from his horse and was buried in the Crypt of St. Nicholas where his tomb can still be seen.