Famous Freemasons

Known as "the man to whom English football owes its finest achievement", Sir Alf Ramsey led England to victory in the famous 1966 World Cup.

Born on 22 January 1920, as manager of England from 1963 to 1974, Ramsey guided the team to victory in the famous 1966 World Cup, as they beat West Germany 4-2 in the final. He was knighted for his services to football in 1967.

He was initiated into Waltham Abbey Lodge No. 2750 in Essex in 1953, just before he retired as a player. He remained a member for nearly 30 years, but ill health, which had precipitated his retirement from football management, also led to his resignation from the Lodge in 1981.

When his regalia was presented to the Lodge by his widow, it was mounted in a frame and hung on the wall of the Masonic Hall he attended in Chingford.