Freemasonry: A Brief History
Discover the history of Freemasonry
Freemasonry is one of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world and its principles are Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service.
There are a few different views about the roots of modern-day Freemasonry, but the general consensus amongst Masonic scholars is that we have to journey back to the Medieval era.
In 1646, Elias Ashmole wrote about his initiation into a lodge in Warrington.
The first recorded evidence of an initiation of an Englishman and obviously those present and listed would have been initiated at an earlier date.
On St John’s Day, 24 June 1717, four London Lodges, which had existed for some time, came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Paul’s Churchyard, declared themselves a Grand Lodge and elected Anthony Sayer as their first Grand Master. This was the founding of the Premier Grand Lodge, the first of its kind anywhere in the world and the origins of the United Grand Lodge of England.
By 1723, the new Grand Lodge had published its first rulebook – The Constitutions of the Free-Masons – and was meeting quarterly and recording its meetings.
In 1725, the Grand Lodge of Ireland was established and in 1736, the Grand Lodge of Scotland was established. In 1751, a rival Grand Lodge appeared in London, calling themselves ‘the Antients’, whereas the original Grand Lodge was called ‘the Moderns’.
They existed side by side for 63 years. On 27 December 1813, the 2 Grand Lodges formed the United Grand Lodge of England. In the meantime, in 1775, Freemasonry found its home in Great Queen St, London.
In the year 1814, 647 lodges were in existence and by the early 1900’s 2800 lodges were under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
Freemasonry around the world.
Freemasonry now spread around the globe and created charities to look after the wellbeing of its members and their families. Over time, it has evolved into a major supporter of charities and causes beyond Freemasonry and into local communities.
On 14 June 1967, the 250Th anniversary of Grand Lodge was celebrated at the Royal Albert Hall and this included the installation of HRH the Duke of Kent as Grand Master, a position he still holds today, following a long line of Royal Grand Masters, which includes his father Prince George, King Edward VII and King George IV.
2017 marked the official 300th anniversary of Freemasonry. 300 years ago, 4 London lodges came together to form a Grand Lodge, the first in the world and one of the oldest, largest, secular. apolitical, fraternal, charitable organisations in the world. 2023 saw the Tercentary of the 1723 Constitutions.
The Constitutions set a pattern for Freemasonry throughout the world. Understanding the context helps explain the origins of modern Freemasonry and sheds light on the relationship between Freemasonry and society today.
Visiting UGLE.
Have you ever wondered what it is like in a Masonic temple or wanted to visit the Masonic Museum?
Did you know that United Grand Lodge of England (Freemasons Hall) is open to the public?
Find out more about visiting.
Contact our lodge for more information
Whether you have already decided to join your local Freemasons lodge in Redhill or would like more information about Freemasonry, get in touch with us.