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Channel: Showcase – The Library and Museum of Freemasonry
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Masonic Aprons

The Masonic apron is the badge of membership for Freemasons. It symbolises the protective apron worn by stonemasons and in its original form was a complete lambskin. When a member joins he completes...

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Centenary Jewels

When a lodge can demonstrate one hundred years of continuous working it can apply for a 'centenary warrant' and its members are allowed to wear a centenary jewel. A decorative bar is available for...

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Charity Jewels

Freemasons have collected for charity from the earliest days of the organisation. One system used is 'Charity Festivals'. These originated from a collection carried out after a celebratory meal in the...

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Other Fraternal and Friendly Societies

Freemasonry is not the only fraternal organisation. The oldest of these were formed in the 1700s. The range of organisations is very wide - from Old Friends to Druids, Oddfellows to Knights of the...

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Freemasons and the Royal Society: Martin Folkes

Martin Folkes (1690-1754) was an antiquary who was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society at the age of 23 for his study of mathematics. He served as President of the Royal Society from 1741-1752. The...

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Freemasonry and the French Revolution: Masonic Jewel

An estimated 120,000 French soldiers and sailors were brought to England as prisoners of war during the period 1793-1815. The post Freemasonry and the French Revolution: Masonic Jewel appeared first on...

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Freemasonry and the French Revolution: Chairs with Masonic Symbolism

At the time when the Bastille prison was stormed by the Paris mob on 14 July 1789, English freemasonry was approaching a peak of respectability and prestige. The post Freemasonry and the French...

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Freemasonry and the French Revolution: Napoleonic French Apron

On the two pillars are Joseph Bonaparte and Cambacères, two leading freemasons of the period. The apron was on display in the Freemasonry and the French Revolution exhibition which ran until 18th...

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Freemasonry and the French Revolution: Sèvres porcelain

During the French Revolution the Sèvres porcelain factory just outside Paris, originally established and patronised by the French Royal Family and nobility, turned to producing items which reflected...

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English Masonic Charity: Royal Cumberland School for Girls

The Library and Museum’s latest exhibition about Masonic charity includes an outline of the history of what was originally known as the Royal Cumberland School for the Daughters of Indigent Freemasons....

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English Masonic Charity: Silver Candelabra

This silver candelabra was presented to Dr Robert Crucefix at a meeting held at the New London Hotel, Bridge Street, Blackfriars on 24th November 1841 to mark his contribution towards freemasonry which...

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English Masonic Charity: Masonic Home, Croydon

By 1847 supporters of the Masonic Asylum for Aged and Decayed Freemasons, the forerunner of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution, had raised funds to purchase land in Croydon on which to build a...

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Women and Freemasonry: The First Female Freemason of Modern Times

The first female freemason of modern times is Maria Deraismes (1828-1894). She was initiated on14th January 1882. The post Women and Freemasonry: The First Female Freemason of Modern Times appeared...

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Women and Freemasonry: The Order of Women Freemasons

The Order of Women Freemasons (“OWF”) established a travelling lodge to visit areas where no lodges were established and to initiate new members. The post Women and Freemasonry: The Order of Women...

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Women and Freemasonry: Commemorative Pendant

To mark its centenary the Order of Women Freemasons commissioned the newest addition to the select number of commemorative pieces which the organisation has produced - a pendant. The post Women and...

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Rebuilding of Freemasons’ Hall – 1860s

In the 1860s Grand Lodge began a comprehensive rebuilding of the site in Great Queen Street around the first Freemasons’ Hall built by Thomas Sandby in 1774-6. Purchases of properties along Great Queen...

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Jewel: Wellington Lodge No. 707

The Library and Museum has recently purchased this Masonic jewel with an unusual, if not unique, design. In the form of an oval pendant, 3.5 inches high, the jewel features a Square and Compass design...

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Recognising London: Sir Alfred Robbins (1856 – 1931)

Sir Alfred Robbins perceived influence in the governing of freemasonry in the early years of the twentieth century led to him being described as “the prime Minister of English freemasonry”. The post...

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Recognising London: Harry Bladon – Freemason and Manufacturer of Masonic Regalia

Henry Bladon was born in 1867 and initiated into Duke of Cornwall Lodge No. 1839. He was proposed by his father, Joseph, who was Senior Deacon of the lodge. The post Recognising London: Harry Bladon –...

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Recognising London: William Wix 1768 – 1849

William Wix (1768-1849) was an attorney and Fellow of the Royal Society and held the office of Provincial Grand Master of Essex from 1801-1824 (and of Grand Superintendent from 1801-1846). The post...

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