The Cloisters (Letchworth)

The Cloisters, located in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, is a historic Masonic centre originally built in 1905 as an open-air school dedicated to Psychology and the Arts and Crafts movement. Designed by architect William Harrison Cowlishaw, it features a unique half-oval 'open-air room' and was intended to foster healthy minds through outdoor living. After a vibrant early history that included music concerts and community events, the building fell into disrepair during World War II and was later transformed into the North Hertfordshire Masonic Centre in 1951. The Cloisters is recognized as a Grade II* listed building and is noted for its architectural significance and cultural history, making it an intriguing site for tourists and researchers alike.