Freemasonry undoubtedly continued to assist in the networking that was crucial to the Trans-Atlantic trade as the nineteenth century progressed, especially between Liverpool and the ports of America. Crucial to the cotton industry of the north-west of England was the … Continue reading →
There are some lodges that meet on ranches, hilltops, caves, and in other outside areas, and actually confer degrees and conduct ceremonies outside. Some outside meetings have become traditional for certain lodges, such as the Castle Lodge No. 122, in … Continue reading →
I know, however, but of one ancient book that authoritatively challenges universal consent and belief, and that is Euclid’s Elements of Geometry… Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason, Part II, Chapter 1, 1795. Thomas Paine is celebrated today as … Continue reading →
On the 22nd of December 1823, a group of Masonic rebels met at the Shakespeare Tavern in Williamson Square in Liverpool to re-establish the ‘Antient’ Grand Lodge, a Grand Lodge that had officially merged with the ‘Moderns’ ten years previously. … Continue reading →
In an exposé of the later eighteenth century called Jachin and Boaz, there is an interesting mention of a lodge in Ireland that admitted a woman, the anonymous author of the work stating that she was ‘as good a Mason … Continue reading →
One of the first leading localities that declared itself independent from the ‘Premier’ Grand Lodge of England was York, and on the 27th of December, 1726, a new title of Grand Lodge of all England held at York was declared, … Continue reading →
It seems that during the eighteenth century, whenever there was a revolution, Freemasons were not far away. The American Revolution had many masons leading the cause and with the outbreak of the French Revolution in 1789, Freemasons were again leading … Continue reading →
Manor Houses in Liverpool associated with The Beatles As a Beatles fan and a writer, it was only natural that I would attempt to write a book on the band, something that I kept putting on the backburner as I … Continue reading →
Baron Hill is a now ruinous estate near Beaumaris, Anglesey, North Wales, once owned by the Bulkeley family, and was originally built in 1618 by Sir Richard Bulkeley. The deserted, empty shell of the once beautiful house is now covered … Continue reading →
In my first book ‘The Genesis of Freemasonry’ I discussed the importance of the Watkin Williams Wynn family to Freemasonry, a number of prominent members serving as Provincial Grand Masters in Wales during the nineteenth and twentieth century. Sir Watkin … Continue reading →
