The document from the United Grand Lodge of England highlights the contributions of notable Freemasons in various fields, particularly focusing on Sir Alexander Fleming, a prominent scientist known for discovering penicillin. Born in 1881 in Scotland, Fleming's groundbreaking work in medicine began after he qualified as a doctor in 1906. His accidental discovery of penicillin in 1928 revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections, earning him a knighthood in 1944 and the Nobel Prize in 1945. Fleming's Masonic journey includes his initiation into Sancta Maria Lodge No. 2682 in 1909, where he later served as Master. He also joined London Scottish Rifles Lodge No. 2310 and Misericordia Lodge No. 3288, holding various leadership positions, including Senior Grand Deacon and Past Senior Grand Warden. This document serves to celebrate the intersection of Freemasonry and significant achievements in science, emphasizing the organization's historical connections to influential figures.
December 9th, 2025
February 10th, 2026
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External source: www.ugle.org.uk
Title: Sportsmen | United Grand Lodge of England
Throughout history, there have been many notable Freemasons involved in a wide variety of activities, including politics and sports, as well as literature and science. Here, we highlight some of the 'Famous Freemasons' and their journeys in Freemasonry.
Sir Alexander Fleming (1881 - 1955)
Sir Alexander Fleming was born in East Ayrshire, Scotland, on 6 August 1881 and is best known for discovering penicillin, which is still used to treat bacterial infections today. He moved to London at the age of 13 and later trained as a doctor, qualifying with distinction in 1906. Fleming began research at St Mary's Hospital Medical School at the University of London under Sir Almroth Wright, a pioneer in vaccine therapy.
In 1928, while studying the influenza virus, Fleming noticed that mould had developed accidentally on dishes used to grow the staphylococci germ, creating a bacteria-free circle around itself. He experimented further and named the active substance penicillin, a discovery that transformed medicine and established Fleming as one of the world's most renowned scientists. He was knighted by King George VI in 1944 and won the Nobel Prize in 1945.
Fleming was initiated into Sancta Maria Lodge No. 2682 in London in 1909 at the age of 27. He served as Senior Warden in 1922 and Master in 1924. He became a joining member of London Scottish Rifles Lodge No. 2310 in 1911 and Misericordia Lodge No. 3288 in 1925, where he served as Master in 1935. He was awarded London Grand Rank in 1934 and appointed Senior Grand Deacon by the United Grand Lodge of England in 1942, later being promoted to Past Senior Grand Warden in 1948.