Category Archives: Freemasonry

The Antient Noble Order of the Gormogons

The Antient Noble Order of the Gormogons had a brief existence in the eighteenth century; they left few records or accomplishments, and there is no indication as to their true purpose other than to parody and degrade Freemasonry, and perhaps further the Jacobite cause. Rev. A. F. A. Woodford, editor of Kenning’s Masonic Cyclopaedia, describedContinue reading “The Antient Noble Order of the Gormogons”

A History of Operative Stonemasons

An ongoing series on the social history of the Operative Masons – from ancient Egypt to the Modern Day (published in The Square magazine)

Freemasonry and Women’s Rights

A four-part series written for The Square magazine exploring mixed, Co- and female Freemasonry, and how the Fraternity and its members helped progress the emancipation and rights of women.

Kipling’s War

Kipling’s critics are quick to include him as one of the ‘fathers’ who ‘lied’ – echoing his short poem ‘Common Form’ – ‘If any question why we died, Tell them, because our fathers lied’. From ‘Kiplings War’ Kipling has long been viewed as a propagandist and supporter of war but that was perhaps merely aContinue reading “Kipling’s War”

Cagliostro’s Egyptian Rite

Unfairly, history has been somewhat unsympathetic to a man regarded as an occult charlatan and a purported embarrassment to Freemasonry. His Egyptian Rite is in fact a beautiful work of Hermetic and Masonic philosophy, an introduction to higher alchemical teachings, blending what he believed were the three most honourable and noble arts in the world.Continue reading “Cagliostro’s Egyptian Rite”

Planning without permission – How enthusiastic Freemason Batty Langley set out to ‘improve’ architectural styles

Published in Freemasonry Today June 2017 – click on the link to read

The Curious Case of the Chevalier d’Éon

One of the most intriguing engravings of the 18th century shows an elegant lady holding a sword and staff, wearing a cross of the military order of Saint-Louis and, more bizarrely, wearing a Masonic apron. The engraving is entitled ‘La Découverte ou la Femme Franc-Maçon’ – roughly translated as ‘The Discovery of the Female FrenchContinue reading “The Curious Case of the Chevalier d’Éon”