Search freemason membership registers
If your ancestor was a tradesman belonging to a masonic lodge, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…
Freemasonry began in medieval times as part of the traditions of the stonemasons who built our great churches and cathedrals. They would use hand grips, signs and words to identify themselves as qualified tradesmen. There has been a Masonic Grand Lodge in England since 1717, which merged with a rival Grand Lodge to form the United Grand Lodge of England in 1813. Masonic lodges were required to return annual lists of members to the Grand Lodge from 1768. These returns were used to compile the membership registers described below. If you get stuck or want more resources visit the Museum of Freemasonry: www. snipca.com/54623.