The History of Freemasonry  -  nutshell version!

A lot of mystery surrounds the history of Freemasonry because it all began when records were either not kept at all or have long since disappeared.

One of the most popular theories links its origin to the stonemasons who built the great castles and cathedrals of medieval England.

These buildings took several years to complete and because the masons were largely a travelling workforce, they were housed in a timber 'Lodge' adjacent to the site.

On arrival at a new site, every craftsman was required to prove he was qualified  -  but as there were no paper certificates in those days, the men were taught secret signs and code words to verify they had been apprenticed and trained.  (A practice which was not unique to stonemasons.)

It is believed there was some sort of initiation ceremony, at which new apprentices were shown the first of the signs  -  with others being revealed as they progressed in the trade.  Such ceremonies might have provided entertainment  -  but the main purpose of the sign system was to ensure only skilled masons were employed in the work.  The fact that so many of these magnificent buildings survive today is evidence that it was an effective way of maintaining standards of craftsmanship.

The stonemason trade and the Lodge communities were unique.   There was co-operation and teamwork on the construction site which carried over into the Lodge.  It is most likely that the sick and injured were cared for and there may even have been some provision for those too old or frail to work.

The theory is that 'non-operative' or 'gentleman masons' were invited to share in the social and ceremonial activities of some of these Lodges.

The introduction of brick brought about the decline of building in stone and over a period of time the gentleman masons outnumbered the 'operatives'.   They continued with their meetings in various parts of the Country and the word 'Lodge' evolved as a name for each group.  At least some of them adopted the custom of many Trade Guilds and Livery Companies by appointing a Master, Wardens, Secretary and Treasurer.

The name Freemason was originally applied to certain master craftsmen in the trade and this too was adopted by the 'non-operatives' as a convenient title.

Within the meetings, ceremonies of initiation would be performed to make new Freemasons  -  and subscriptions and other charitable donations were collected for distribution to those in need...  including the dependants of members who had fallen on hard times, or had died.

There are other and more philosophical versions of this story but with so much of the history lost, no-one can be sure which is the most accurate.

It is known that the Masons established a Livery Company of their own in the City of London in medieval times.  Sadly, this faded away during the 18th and 19th centuries, along with much of the history of both the trade and the origin of Freemasonry itself.

Meanwhile, in the year 1717, a group of four London Lodges established the first Grand Lodge or governing body of Freemasons.  A second was formed in Ireland in 1725 and another in Scotland in 1736.  It is from those three original Grand Lodges that Freemasonry has spread throughout the world to become a vast organisation of several million members.