1723 Constitutions
Three Hundred Years Ago In the year 1723 a book was published that laid out the principles and aims of English Freemasonry. Ideas that included social equality, religious tolerance, self-improvement, reward and advancement for merit, charity and goodwill to all. These ideas were radical and challenging in a time characterised by religious conflict and when birth and wealth determined success and often even survival. This fascinating and beautiful book also provided a framework for Freemasonry, a rulebook that would be emulated by many other secular clubs and societies in Britain and around the world. Masonic practices introduced in the 1723 Constitutions include the election of officers subject to democratic accountability, with one member wielding one vote; majority rule; orations by elected officials; national governance; and written constitutions. Introduced by a beautiful symbolic frontispiece, this work was not just practical, but also inspirational, containing a traditional history of Freemasonry and many Masonic songs. Rich with Masonic insight and symbolism, there is as much to be found in this work for modern Freemasons as there was the day it was published. This book contains a faithful reproduction of the first edition of the Constitutions of the Free-Masons, printed in London in 1723. The text, word spelling and paragraph size has been maintained, original restored decorations have been used, and font and character typesets have been carefully replicated. The cover border and central design have been carefully reproduced from original copies in the archives of the Museum of Freemasonry held at the United Grand Lodge of England. Paperback 109 Printed Pages
A Questioning Eye On Freemasonry
A collection of fresh in-depth articles exploring the curiosities of Freemasonry in their historical context and that of wider society. The author John Belton produces works with an evidence based intellectual detachment and ability to entertain the reader rarely found in Masonic writing. Perfect for the Masonic researcher and busy Mason alike its easy to just dip in-to this work when you have some time spare to make your daily advancement.
A Royal Life
HRH The Duke of Kent has been at the heart of the British Royal Family throughout his life. As a working member of the Royal Family, he has supported his cousin, The Queen, representing her at home and abroad. His royal duties began when, in 1952, at the age of sixteen, he walked in the procession behind King George VI's coffin, later paying homage to The Queen at her Coronation in 1953. Since then, he has witnessed and participated in key Royal occasions. He represented The Queen at independence ceremonies from the age of twenty-five, he was riding with her when blanks were fired at Trooping the Colour in 1981, he was the oldest soldier on parade at Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in November 2020 and he was alongside The Queen at her official birthday celebrations in June 2021 as Colonel of the Scots Guards. No member of the Royal Family has spoken extensively of the modern reign and their part in it before. A Royal Life is a unique account based on a series of conversations between the Duke and acclaimed Royal historian Hugo Vickers. It covers some of the most important moments and experiences of the Duke's life, from his upbringing at his family home Coppins in Buckinghamshire, his twenty-one years of army life, his royal tours and events, through to his work for over 140 different organisations, including presenting the trophies at Wimbledon for more than 50 years. Here too are recollections of family members including his mother, Princess Marina, his grandmother, Queen Mary, his cousin, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, and his uncle, King George VI. The Duke is a keen photographer and the book contains never before seen photographs from his private collection. Other members of the Royal Family contribute their memories, including his wife, the Duchess of Kent, the Duke's siblings, Princess Alexandra and Prince Michael of Kent, his son, the Earl of St Andrews, his daughter, Lady Helen Taylor as well as his cousins, Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, Archduchess Helen of Austria and her brother, Hans Veit Toerring. A Royal Life is an unprecedented, insightful and remarkable slice of Royal history.
Freemasonry in London from 1785
This book is a well-researched study by a competent masonic scholar who has welded links from the changing scenes that arose in an era in which the most important step forward in organised Freemasonry was taken, the masonic Union between the two Grand Lodges in 1813, and from the events that followed. As a vehicle for his survey the author chose an Antients lodge which was formed by Dispensation in December 1785 at The Ship Tavern, situated at the junction of Gate Street and Little Turnstile, off Lincolns Inn Fields. It was constituted in February 1786 by Laurence Dermott, probably the most outstanding character in the history of Freemasonry in determining the course to be steered, who fancied those brethren Warrant No 234. That lodge on that night took the name Domatic, and on the subsequent renumberings and closing-up of the Registers now take their place as No 177 on the Register of United Grand Lodge of England. Whilst the records of the Domatic Lodge. their Lodge of Instruction (AD 1808), their Royal Arch Chapter (AD 1793), and Chapter of Instruction (AD 1850) provide terms of reference and an ordered sequence the book is not intended to be taken as a history of that group. Personalities arise throughout the account and it is from the examination of their behaviour and activity that the reader will be enabled to appreciate the modus Operandi and the emergence of things masonic, also to understand the difficulties of that age. The human element bursts into various scenes and events and it is the authors treatment that converts the factual into the fascinating and makes for such absorbing reading. He takes notes of the various qualities and failings that one would expect to find in any large organisation, but, as he has stated, this time they have been clothed with a Masonic apron! Although it is a progressive account of the development of Freemasonry with such interesting aspects it is also a book of reference and a guide to further information if a study of a particular facet of Freemasonry is desired, and for that reason it will undoubtedly take its place among the important masonic publications. Format : Hardback Page : 176 Size : 247 x 190
Inventing the Future
Over 300 Years of Masonic Ritual
This book celebrates the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Premier Grand Lodge in June 1717, by reviewing the basis of our workings from the earliest records to the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England in December 1813 and further. It addresses such important questions as what is the craft of Freemasonry and where did it come from, how was it practised from 1200 to 1700 and much more.
Tercentenary: Celebrating 300 years of the Premier Grand Lodge
A beautiful commemorative book celebrating the spectacular events of the tercentenary year of the United Grand Lodge of England. In 1717 four London lodges came together at the Goose and Gridiron Tavern in St Pauls Churchyard and established the first Grand Lodge. Founded as the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster, this historic moment didn't just belong to English Masons, but was a turning point in how Freemasonry developed worldwide and expanded over the years. And so it was, three centuries later, that brethren from around the world gathered in the rather more spacious and grand Royal Albert Hall for a spectacular event. An event that was the culmination of countless hours of labour. This momentous occasion and the other events surrounding it are celebrated in this easy-to-read and superbly illustrated book. Written by Oliver Lodge, the Grand Director of Ceremonies during the Tercentenary year, the reader is given a unique insight into the planning and teamwork that went on behind the scenes to orchestrate such a large-scale and prominent once-in-a-lifetime event. Illustrated throughout by spectacular photos, this volume will act as a permanent exhibition of the great tercentenary celebrations. Full colour throughout including two beautiful panoramic fold-out gatefolds. High Quality Hardback 176 pages