The History of Freemasonry
“From the builders of cathedrals to the builders of character.”
The Operative Roots
Before it was a fraternal society, Freemasonry consisted of guilds of working stonemasons—the Operative Masons. These craftsmen built the great cathedrals and castles of the Middle Ages. They used specific signs and words to prove their skill level as they traveled from project to project, ensuring that only qualified “Masters” were entrusted with the most complex stone-cutting.
The Transition Begins
As the era of cathedral building declined, lodges began to “accept” men who were not working masons—gentlemen, scholars, and merchants. This was the birth of Speculative Masonry, where the tools of the trade (the Square, Compasses, and Level) became symbols for moral lessons.
The First Grand Lodge
On St. John’s Day, four London lodges met at the Goose and Gridiron Alehouse to form the world’s first Grand Lodge. This transformed Freemasonry into an organized, public-facing institution.
The Act of Union
After decades of rivalry between the “Ancients” and “Moderns,” the two competing Grand Lodges merged to form the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the governing body under which Ashley Hill Lodge proudly operates today.
Ashley Hill No. 7861
Born out of the post-war era of growth in Berkshire, our Lodge was consecrated. We carry forward the same ancient charges and values established by those original stonemasons centuries ago.
Freemasonry Today
Today, Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations. While our ceremonies are steeped in history, our purpose is modern: to provide a community for men to act with Integrity, practice Charity, and build lifelong Friendships.
Your Journey Starts Here
Ashley Hill Lodge welcomes those who wish to add their own chapter to this long and distinguished history.
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