The lodge started with about 8-10 masons meeting for a lodge of instruction all from the Woolwich area and from different lodge's the man who organised the l.o.i was W. Bro T. W. Marchant of the cosmopolitan lodge no 917. 

They met in various pubs in the area for about 12 years and on the 1st March 1937 they were meeting in the Congleton Arms, Plumstead SE18. At that meeting it was decided to submit a petition to grand lodge, requesting permission to form a lodge of their own. W.Bro. Marchant was selected to act as chairman.

Twelve months later, after a lot of hard work, on the 30th March 1938 the Hereditary Lodge No. 5731 was consecrated at Grand Lodge. W. Bro. T. W. Marchant. P.M. of the Cosmopolitan Lodge No. 917, who had sponsored the formation of the new lodge, was installed as the first Worshipful Master. 

The Lodge was to be called The Hereditary Lodge because the founders wanted the lodge to have a family sprit with sons following fathers into the lodge; and over the years this has happened.

With this in view, the motive which printed on the front of the summons, is the father greeting the return of his lost son which appears appropriate.

The Lodge was to meet in London at the Abercorn rooms, Great Eastern Hotel, Liverpool Street, EC2 on the 1st Wednesday in April (installation), September, December and 2nd Wednesday in January.

The Lodge had some difficult times, the five years of World War 2 put a strain on the founders and early members, but the lodge, survived and gained in strength.

In the 70’s, British Rail began their programme of re-modernisation of their hotels. By 1972/3 it appeared very likely that the Hereditary Lodge, and many others would have to find alternative accommodation.

So, as many of its members were from South East London and Kent, and with other reasons, the Lodge decided to make an application to the Province of Kent to be allowed to transfer the lodge to Kent.

Following a successful petition, the Lodge, moved to Welling Masonic Centre, Bellegrove Road, Welling, Kent with their first full meeting being held on the 6th November 1973.

Over the passage of time all the founders have passed away but the Lodge is still going strong in Welling and we are sure it will do so for many, many years.

The Hereditary Lodge of Instruction (loi for short) decided in 1980 that the Lodge should have a banner. They spent 3 years on various tasks, Design, Manufacture and costs etc. It was dedicated on the 12th January 1983

The Hereditary Lodge of instruction has been going since from before the Lodge was consecrated and is still going strong now. We have many Past Master's who attend regularly and are willing to help and encourage the younger Brethren into a successful rise to the Chair.

The Hereditary Lodge of instruction meets every Thursday at the Welling Masonic Centre at 7pm.

At a GP meeting held on 6th July 1947, a suggestion was made that a Chapter be formed to be called the Hereditary Chapter No. 5731.

A meeting was held on the 13th November 1947 to finalise details. After lots of hard work the Chapter was consecrated on the 31st May 1948.

The Chapter is very much still going strong and is also held at Welling alongside the Lodge. They have 3 meetings a year in February, June, and October.