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There is no record of the origins of the Hardwick banner, as the
minute book is not in the lodge's possession. However by studying
the banner and the history of the Lodge, it is possible to speculate
on the choice of the design. When the Lodge was consecrated in 1891, the
Duke of Devonshire was the Provincial Grand Master, and his Land
Agent, W. Bro Wynne Jeudwine,
was based at Hardwick Hall. W.Bro. Jeudwine became the first Master
of Hardwick Lodge. In the circumstances it would seem fair to
conclude that W.Bro. Jeudwine was a major influence in both the
naming of the Lodge and the design of the banner. |
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At the head of the banner is the name of the Lodge and the
square and compasses. Towards the bottom is the Lodge number
2373 and a five-pointed shape. This is the pentalpha of Pythagoras, which represents the Bond of Brotherly Love that unites the
Fraternity.
The principle feature of the banner is the coat of arms of the Duke
of Devonshire, who in 1891, the year of his death, owned both
Chatsworth House and Hardwick Hall, the latter being the more
popular of the two houses. |
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Old banner |
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The use of the Cavendish coat of arms on
the Hardwick Lodge Banner rather than the Hardwick one is
interesting. Perhaps with both houses being owned by the Duke and as PGM he decided which was to be used or possibly W.Bro. Jeudwine
suggested the adoption of the Cavendish coat of arms in tribute to
the late PGM. |
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In heraldic terms the arms of the Duke of Devonshire are described
as:
Sable: 3 stags heads, cabossed argent,
the Crest: serpent, nowed proper,
the Supporters: 2 stags, heads proper, each wreathed around the neck with a chaplet of
roses, alternately argent and azure.
(The main differences being that the Hardwick family coat of arms does not include 3 stags
heads, but instead a blue/white saltire, and no serpent or wreaths.)
The Crest is an intertwined knotted snake or serpent, the serpent
being an ancient symbol of safety or security, as well as wisdom. |
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new banner
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The motto 'Cavendo Tutus' meaning 'safety by caution'
appears to be a word play on the name Cavendish, but clearly has
Masonic significance.
It was decided a number of years ago the original banner was
becoming fragile due to its age that it could no longer be carried.
In order to preserve it was protected by a glass screen and hung on
the west wall of the temple of Chesterfield Masonic Hall. The new
banner reproduces the features of the original.
Information supplied by W.Bro .J. Culpin
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