The Royal Masonic School for Boys opened in Bushey, Hertfordshire in 1903. It was built using money from charities of set up by masonic organizations in order to educate the sons of needy Freemasons.
Another Masonic school was built and a Junior School was added on the other side of The Avenue in 1929. Following a decline in pupil numbers the junior school closed in 1970, with the senior school closing in 1977.
After their closure, the buildings housed the United States International University, but as the buildings' condition declined, they fell into disrepair. Both schools were also commonly used for films (such as Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Lucky Jim, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and numerous TV shows) from the 1950s until recently. Part of the buildings have now been redeveloped as a gated housing development.
Another Masonic school was built and a Junior School was added on the other side of The Avenue in 1929. Following a decline in pupil numbers the junior school closed in 1970, with the senior school closing in 1977.
After their closure, the buildings housed the United States International University, but as the buildings' condition declined, they fell into disrepair. Both schools were also commonly used for films (such as Monty Python's The Meaning of Life, Lucky Jim, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and numerous TV shows) from the 1950s until recently. Part of the buildings have now been redeveloped as a gated housing development.
