Freemasonry in Suffolk dates back to 1772 when the Suffolk "Province" was founded. In 2008 the current Provincial Grand Master of Suffolk, Barry ross, claimed they had 3,000 members organised in 66 lodges. They operate out of 21 centres, he added. The Freemasons' Hall was built in in 1897. It is a grade II listed building run by the Ipswich Masonic Hall Trust. In accordance with the Suffolk Code, councillors in Suffolk are asked to declare whether they are a Freemason.