Ashmolean Museum | Freemasonry Matters

Emblematic Freemasonry – Building Guilds and Hermetic Schools

21st March 202431st December 2018

This document explores the philosophical and historical underpinnings of Freemasonry, tracing its evolution from Operative to Speculative practices. It delves into the contributions of Hermetic, Rosicrucian, and Kabalistic schools to Masonic symbolism and rituals, emphasizing the transition from physical to moral and spiritual building. The text also examines the role of notable figures such as Elias Ashmole in shaping modern Freemasonry and discusses the challenges of linking Freemasonry with ancient mysteries and architectural guilds.

AS EMBLEMATIC FREEMASONRY is the Craft of Building moralized, it follows that intellectually, at least, our figurative and speculative art has arisen out of the Operative

Freemasons donate £26,815 to Charities

22nd July 201729th May 2017

The Leyland and District Group of Freemasons once more put on a very humbling and public show, when the Chairman of Leyland Group Chris Blackwell welcomed the Mayor of South Ribble Councillor Linda Woollard and her consort Alistair, once again to their annual Giving Day. This was the eighth year in which the group had … Read more

Elias Ashmole A Celebrated English Antiquary and Freemason

14th November 201724th July 2015

Elias Ashmole - National Portrait Gallery

It may be said that never in the annals of Freemasonry has so much been attributed by so many to one man: Elias Ashmole. Yet Ashmole’s own direct patronage of the Craft was minimal at best. Why then the attention? And, more intriguingly, why should a man of Ashmole’s standing become a Freemason in the … Read more