When and where did free mason begin?

Answer 1

Modern Freemasonry is dated from the formation of the Grand Lodge of England at the Goose and Gridiron pub in London in 1717. The lodges which formed this Grand Lodge had already been around for a number of years. English Lodges are known to have existed from the mid-seventeenth century and Scottish ones from the late sixteenth. Some of the principles of Masonry are believed to derive from the practices of the actual stonemasons, for which there is documentary evidence going back to the late fourteenth century. Some historians believe that the practices of the Knights Templar were incorporated into Masonic organization and teaching, which would date these aspects to the thirteenth century or earlier. As with anything which evolved gradually over centuries, it is impossible to fix a date at which it started.

Answer 2

Free Masons are a secret organization. THey originated hundreds of years ago, from the late 16th to early 17th century, when a bunch of peasants, who held the title "mason" or "craftsman," (ie stonemasons worked with stone) got together and formed a group.


There were presidents who were Free Masons, and there are about 5 million today.

Answer 3

Modern Freemasonry started in 1717 in London with the joining of three pre-existing Masonic Lodges into a Grand Lodge. Of course the pre-existing Lodges were already practising speculative masonry, and there is evidence of this going back as far as the sixteenth century in Scotland. Before that, we have some organizational documents of stoneworkers' guilds which contain some ideas which could be the roots of masonic principles going back to about 1380. Anything before that date, such as connections with the Knights Templar or ancient Hebrew and Egyptian architects, is pure speculation.

Answer 4

No one knows for sure, but there are three hypothesis. First, it predates the building of King Solomon's temple. Second, that masonry evolved from the medieval guilds of England (1300's). Third, that it evolved from the suppressed military and monastic Order of the Knights Templar in the early 1100's.
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Answer 5

In the times where skilled stonemasons were required to build cathedrals, there was a demand for people who had this training. These were during difficult times, and most people could not read or write. Education was done by direct communication (not by reading - nobody knew how to read except the nobility and clergy) Stone masons realized they had to conduct themselves in a certain manner if they were to associate with the educated. They developed certain standard for being a gentleman. When stonemasonry was replaced with modern building techniques, the principles of this fraternal organization of gentlemen continued.

Answer 6

Freemasonry evolved from medieval trade guilds over the course of centuries. It cannot be said to have "started" at any particular time. A significant event in the history of Freemasonry was the formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717, but it was formed from pre-existing Masonic Lodges.