A new Blue Plaque was unveiled on Tuesday 17th June 2025 by Cheltenham’s Mayor, Cllr Dr David Willingham, at the Masonic Hall, 2 Portland Street.
The plaque commemorates the life of George Allen Underwood, an eminent Cheltenham architect and builder, who designed and built the Masonic Hall.
The Chairman of the Cheltenham Masonic Association Ltd, David Mason, said: “George Allen Underwood played a key role in shaping Cheltenham’s early architecture, designing landmark buildings like Montpellier Spa, the Municipal Offices, and the Masonic Hall itself. As a Freemason initiated in a lodge that met here, it’s especially fitting that we mark his legacy with this blue plaque on a building he both designed and knew well.”
The Civic Society’s Blue Plaques officer, Mike Rigby, added: “Our Blue Plaques commemorate many creative, brave and famous people who lived in Cheltenham, and in particularly those who had a significant impact on the development of our town.
“We’ve created two Google maps that everyone can use to explore the town to find all of our plaques and learn about the people and events that helped to shape Cheltenham.”
Click Blue Plaques Map to find all the Blue plaques (about people).
Click Green Plaques Map to find all the Green Plaques (about events).
George Allen Underwood (1793 – 1829)
Cheltenham Masonic Hall was designed and built in 1823 by architect and Freemason George Allen Underwood and was one of the first purpose-built Masonic Halls in England. After 200 years of regular use, the building retains all its Regency features.
The plaque celebrates the heritage significance of the building and the importance of its architect and builder, who was responsible for several important buildings in the town.
Underwood was a pupil of Sir John Soane from 1807 to 1815 and then started his own practice in Cheltenham. He was later Surveyor for Somerset, Dorset, and the Dean and Chapter of Wells before moving to Bath in the 1820s.
His work in Cheltenham – as an architect and builder – includes:
Montpellier Spa – 1817. Underwood was responsible for the ‘Long Room’; the Rotunda was added later.
Sherborne Spa – 1818. The spa was dismantled in 1837, when the Queens Hotel was built, and re-erected at a new site on the Upper Promenade. It was demolished in 1937.
The Masonic Hall – 1820/present.
Holy Trinity church – 1820/present.
The façade of The Plough Hotel, High Street – 1825. The hotel was demolished in 1982 to make way for the construction of the Regents Arcade.
Portland Tabernacle – 1818. Demolished for road widening in 1978.
Harward’s Buildings in the Promenade (1823/present) – now the Municipal Offices – is attributed to Underwood.
St Margaret’s Terrace – 1819/present.
Cheltenham’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, cultural landmarks, and the stories of remarkable individuals who have shaped the town. Preserving and celebrating this legacy is essential to fostering a sense of identity and pride within the community.