(by editorial board, New Business, 4th December 2020)
New Business sits down with the CEO of the Freemasons Dr David Staples and head of the United Grand Lodge of England
The Freemasons have a history going back more than 300 years and have survived two world wars, yet Joe Public knows little about them and its governing body, the United Grand Lodge of England. Dr David Staples sheds a little light on the UK’s oldest social organisation that is one of the largest donors of money and time in the country.
Firstly, can you give us a potted history of the origins and traditions of the Freemasons?
One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. In our early history people met to learn fundamental lessons on how to live a good life. Our ceremonies are based around three principles which are still taught in our ceremonies today: look after those less fortunate, improve yourself and live life well so as to be remembered for the right reasons. The first Grand Lodge in the world was founded at the Goose and Gridiron Pub in London in 1717 from four individual lodges. Today we are known as the United Grand Lodge of England and have grown to encompass over 7,000 lodges worldwide.
Why does it have a reputation for being secretive and is the mist of secrecy clearing a little in 2020?
In WW2 Freemasonry went quiet due to the threat of an invasion, and…
read more in New Business:
Firstly, can you give us a potted history of the origins and traditions of the Freemasons?
One of the oldest social and charitable organisations in the world, Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who built our cathedrals and castles. In our early history people met to learn fundamental lessons on how to live a good life. Our ceremonies are based around three principles which are still taught in our ceremonies today: look after those less fortunate, improve yourself and live life well so as to be remembered for the right reasons. The first Grand Lodge in the world was founded at the Goose and Gridiron Pub in London in 1717 from four individual lodges. Today we are known as the United Grand Lodge of England and have grown to encompass over 7,000 lodges worldwide.
Why does it have a reputation for being secretive and is the mist of secrecy clearing a little in 2020?
In WW2 Freemasonry went quiet due to the threat of an invasion, and…
read more in New Business:
Why does it have a reputation for being secretive and is the mist of secrecy clearing a little in 2020?
In WW2 Freemasonry went quiet due to the threat of an invasion, and…
read more in New Business:
