Records in Grand Lodge London show that Freemasonry began in Brecon as far back as 1764 and first met at the Sun Inn, Wheat Street, Brecon, but this seemingly lapsed until 1789 when the Cambrian Lodge was formed meeting at the Swan Inn, Brecon.
Although the seed of Freemasonry had been sown in the early days of the Cambrian Lodge the growth had not been sustained, but with the foresight of Brethren from St. Peter’s Lodge Carmarthen the Brecknock Lodge was founded and Consecrated on 28th July 1855 at the Castle Hotel, Brecon.
On the 25th January 1928 the foundation stone was laid for the current Masonic Hall by the Rt. Worhipful Provincial Grand Master Sir Charles L.D. Venables Llewellyn. The final cost of the Masonic Hall was £1,316.
Freemasonry in the area flourished with the formation of two new Lodges. Vivian Lodge No 8267 was Consecrated in the Brecon Masonic Hall on 11th December 1968, primarily for Brethren residing in the Swansea Valley. It was the intention of establishing a Masonic Building in that area. Meetings were held at Ystradgynlais and Crynant, but no subsequent premises became available and a Petition was presented to the Brecknock Lodge to hold future meetings at the Brecknock Masonic Hall. This was agreed by the Brecknock Lodge.
Owing to the increase in membership of the Brecknock Lodge and the lack of opportunity to progress through the various offices, informal discussions resulted in a meeting held at the Castle Hotel, Brecon on 8th January 1974 to form a new Lodge. It was also felt that this would strengthen Freemasonry in the Town. It was finally agreed that the new Lodge should be called Aberhonddu with a catchment area defined by a diameter of 25 miles with the town of Brecon as its centre. Aberhonddu Lodge No 8588 was Consecrated on 18th October 1974.
| 
