Nautical Cable Tow
Nautical Cable Tow – A Unique Masonic Regalia Project
Nestled on the scenic shores of Chesil Beach at the Portland Masonic Centre, Loyal Manor Lodge No. 6445 in Dorset is proud to offer fellow Lodges a special, hand-crafted piece of regalia: the Nautical Cable Tow.
Created personally by W. Bro. Brian Barton, an ex-Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer (Mine Warfare) and dedicated member of our Lodge, each Nautical Cable Tow is meticulously hand-made using traditional seaman's knots imbued with Masonic symbolism. Fully functional and built to last, it serves as a beautiful and meaningful adornment for Candidates during ceremonies — a cherished addition to any Lodge's regalia for years to come.
Every Cable Tow comes complete with a detailed Project Booklet explaining its nautical and Masonic significance, along with a list of supporting Lodges worldwide.
Standard version: White, symbolising Purity and Innocence — the timeless Masonic ideals.
Personalised versions: Many Lodges opt to incorporate the colours of their Lodge Banner, Service, Regiment, Unit, University, School, Federation, or other meaningful affiliations, making each one truly unique and deeply personal.
Priced at just £50 (covering materials, craftsmanship, and postage), this is a modest investment in a lasting piece of Masonic heritage.
The response has been tremendous: Lodges praise these Cable Tows as treasured items that enhance ceremonies and foster pride. To date, over 700 have been hand-produced and presented — not only across England and Wales, but to Lodges around the globe, including in Argentina, America, Canada, Malta, Norway, Ireland, Scotland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Germany, and beyond. This reflects the truly universal spirit of Freemasonry.
A proud milestone was reached on 7 March 2023, when W. Bro. Brian Barton presented the 500th Nautical Cable Tow — customised with Lodge Banner colours — to the Lodge of Honour and Friendship No. 1266 at Blandford, Dorset, where it was used in an Initiation ceremony that same day.
The project began in 2020 as a charitable initiative supporting the Dorset Festival 2025 (in aid of the Masonic Charitable Foundation). It draws inspiration from an original design created in 1983 by the late W. Bro. Alan Yates, another ex-Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer and Somerset Freemason. Alan enthusiastically endorsed the revival of his concept before his passing in 2021, delighted to see his legacy live on through this global endeavour.
What started as one hand-crafted Cable Tow has grown into a worldwide movement, raising substantial funds for the Dorset Festival 2025 and the broader work of the Freemasons’ Charitable Foundation, while creating meaningful connections between Lodges everywhere.
We believe a Nautical Cable Tow, especially one tailored to reflect your Lodge Banner colours, would make a fitting, unique, and enduring addition to your regalia.
To order, request a personalised version, or for more information, please use the Nautical Cable Tow Contact Form on our website: www.loyalmanorlodge.org (Direct link often available under dedicated sections or via Contact.)
Loyal Manor Lodge is honoured to continue this project — blending naval craftsmanship, Masonic tradition, and charitable purpose. We look forward to the possibility of crafting one for your Lodge!
