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The Cloisters in Letchworth Garden City: History, Purpose, and Modern Use

  • Writer: Sean Lee
    Sean Lee
  • Sep 25
  • 2 min read

Updated: Oct 6


ORIGIN: ARCHITECTURAL VISION AND CONSTRUCTION

The Cloisters appeared in 1906-1907: a physical manifestation of early 20th-century educational and spiritual idealism. Initiated and funded (£20,000) by ANNIE JANE LAWRENCE, a Quaker and reform advocate, the design assignment went to WILLIAM HARRISON COWLISHAW. Lawrence claimed architectural inspiration arrived via dream. The structure opened 28 January 1907, on a three-acre plot in Letchworth Garden City.

Features:

  • Open-air "CLoisters Garth": a large, half-oval covered colonnade and north-facing glazed bays.

  • Integrative amenities: outdoor swimming pool, electric organ (music piped throughout), decorative figures (doves, bees, bats, butterflies), community dormitories with hammocks. [Image: image_1]

PRIMARY FUNCTION: THE SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY

The Cloisters operated as a residential open-air school for Psychology. Unlike standard institutions, Lawrence limited the intake to c. 20 students at a time. Curriculum focused on:

  • Mind-action causality: studying how "thought affects action."

  • Skills prioritizing Arts and Crafts values (handwork, communal responsibility).

  • Experiments in gender roles: all housework reserved for men.

Boarding, education, recreation, and reflection were all integrated. The Cloisters functioned additionally as a THEOSOPHICAL CENTRE (lectures, recitals, drama, musical performance, spiritual gatherings).

SYMBOLISM: PHILOSOPHICAL AND ARTISTIC INTENT

Symbolic architectural design, both decorative and structural, aimed to reinforce themes of INNOCENCE, PHYSICAL AND PSYCHIC HEALTH, and HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT.

  • Doves: spiritual purity.

  • Bees: harmony, sustenance.

  • Butterflies: joy, transformation.

  • Open, light-permeable plans: “cleansing” by natural elements. [Image: image_2]

CRISIS: WAR AND POSTWAR DECLINE

1939: BRITISH ARMY commandeered The Cloisters, using it as a base throughout WWII. Consequences:

  • Prolonged occupation; physical decline.

  • £2,500 postwar compensation; insufficient for restoration.

  • Miss Lawrence could not afford repairs on return (1948).

Local council rejected acquisition. Lawrence sought alternative stewards.

TRANSFER: ACQUISITION BY FREEMASONS

1948: "Chance remark." Lawrence offered the now-deteriorated Cloisters to the local Masons. Accepted:

  • Extensive renovations initiated by new owners.

  • 1951: Reopened as the NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE MASONIC CENTRE. Founding of "Cloisters Lodge No. 7100."

  • Continual use by Masonic bodies since, institutional intent preserved under Lawrence Cloisters Trust governance.

CURRENT USE: MASONIC CENTRE AND COMMUNITY VENUE

Today: THE CLOISTERS serves as the principal Masonic Centre for North Hertfordshire. Specifications:

  • Hosts ~60 Masonic lodges and order bodies.

  • Facilities maintained and periodically restored.

  • Functions as venue for weddings, lectures, cultural events. [Image: image_3]

Administrative structure: Elected board oversees operation and conservation. Mission: Retain original name, community spirit.

DESIGNATION AND HERITAGE STATUS

The Cloisters is Grade II* listed, denoting architectural/historic significance:

  • One of Letchworth’s “great historic buildings.”

  • 2013: Ranked 16/50 on ITV’s "Britain’s Secret Homes."

  • Featured architectural, social, and cultural values recognized by English Heritage.

Despite sound structure, 2013 inclusion on “Heritage At Risk Register” (roof tile failure, water ingress). Ongoing maintenance-need persists.

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LEGACY AND HISTORIC ASSESSMENT

  • REPRESENTATION: Progressive education, spiritual exploration, early community design experiments.

  • ADAPTIVE REUSE: Building’s purpose transitioned seamlessly from educational experiment to fraternal civic centre; stewardship ensured survival.

  • CHARACTER: Maintains symbolic, communal, and functional link to original founder and early 20th-century social trends.

Reports of Miss Lawrence’s presence (audible, not visible) persist among night staff. Continuing relevance underscores the persistent resonance of early visionaries on physical and cultural landscapes.

For visual documentation or inquiries regarding professional photography and historic site documentation, view our services at Sean Lee Drone Worx - Photography Services.

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