A HERITAGE plaque will be unveiled today commemorating 200 years of Freemasonry in Swindon.

Swindon Heritage has fixed the plaque to the Goddard Arms in Old Town, where the first Swindon Freemasons met in 1818.

It will be unveiled by Richard Goddard, an ancestor of the family that once lived in the Lawns estate.

Freemason David Lewis said: “It’s a huge achievement to still be going after 200 years, we’re very lucky. The Goddard Arms was a meeting place for many years.

“I love history. Sometimes we aren’t very good at publicising Swindon’s rich history, so this will be a great occasion

“We are delighted that Richard Goddard accepted our invitation to do the honours.

“We would like to thank Liz Smith-Gibbons, senior conservation officer at Swindon Borough Council, for helping and guiding us in gaining permission to fit the plaque on The Goddards, this wonderful Grade II listed building.

“This is an open invitation to all, irrespective of a Masonic connection. Everyone is welcome.”

The plaque will be unveiled at 11am today, Saturday, November 16. There will be refreshments provided at the Goddard Arms after the ceremony.