Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 19, 2017 23:12:02 GMT
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 20, 2017 4:06:02 GMT
Great! I have some relevant information saved. I will add it as and when I get the chance.
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Avacyn
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 20, 2017 22:42:56 GMT
Nice to hear. I should be able to add a bit more, as well.
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UnseenI
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 22, 2017 6:19:52 GMT
The royal Edwardian mason
I found an article that lists the royal Freemasons. The first group were Hanoverians; they became members between 1767 and 1843. There was then a big gap because of the lack of suitable male members of the royal family, until the then Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, entered Apollo University Lodge No 357 lodge in 1868. When Edward Prince of Wales and his wife Princess Alexandra visited Oxford, the Apollo University Lodge of Freemasons honoured them with an 'Arch of Honour':  King Edward VII, Grant Master of the United Grand Lodge of England, photographed in full Masonic regalia in later life:  An etching and a portrait:   So no secrecy there then. The lodge name Apollo is interesting.
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 22, 2017 10:07:38 GMT
No secrecy in those days. It would not have been seen as needed. Of course, nowadays we are all wary of secret societies. We don't trust them.
What you have posted is a really good read, thanks for sharing!
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 22, 2017 16:06:35 GMT
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 22, 2017 16:11:13 GMT
Royal Windsor masons: King George VI
George V, unlike his father Edward VII, was not a freemason. I wonder why. Perhaps Edward VII joined a lodge because it was expected of him and he liked dressing up in aprons and attending dinners where he could smoke huge cigars. George V certainly adopted a very different lifestyle from the raffish, hedonistic one of his father. Perhaps not entering a lodge was a way of rebelling against his father; perhaps he preferred to spend hours working on his stamp albums. Even so, he would have had to be firm with people and go against tradition. Of George V’s four sons, Albert, known as Bertie, who became King George VI, seems to have been the most committed to masonry: “Following service with the Royal Navy in the First World War, he was initiated in December 1919 into Navy Lodge, No. 2612, of which his grandfather King Edward VII had been founding Master. On that occasion he noted: ‘ I have always wished to become a Freemason, but owing to the war I have had no opportunity before this of joining the Craft’. From that moment he became a most dedicated and active Freemason...” So he was not just following family tradition and taking the path of least resistance then. His Masonic activities and engagements were widely reported, so the general public knew of his involvement. He had to resign all offices and affiliations on his accession, but when it was suggested a new position of Past Grand Master be created especially for him, he immediately accepted, declaring, ‘Today the pinnacle of my masonic life has been reached.’ King George VI once stated, ‘the world today does require spiritual and moral regeneration. I have no doubt, after many years as a member of our Order, that Freemasonry can play a most important part in this vital need.’ “   ( link was www.freemasonrytoday.com/ugle-sgc/ugle/the-kings-freemasonry)
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 22, 2017 16:16:01 GMT
George VI and the masonic Victory Stamp
A special postage stamp was designed by Reynolds Stone, a descendent of the painter Sir Joshua Reynolds, following a decision in 1946 to celebrate the ending of the World War II and the beginning of a necessary period of reconstruction. The design had the King’s approval. 24 million 3D (three old pence) ‘Victory Stamps’ were issued by the Post Office in 1946. I looked at this example and just saw a stamp:  It was only when I read the following text that I learned that it is actually packed full of Masonic symbolism: “It depicts the King’s head in the East, his eyes firmly fixed on illustrations of a dove carrying an olive branch (representing peace and guidance), the square and compasses (in the second degree configuration) and a trowel and bricks (the sign of a Master spreading the cement that binds mankind in brotherly love). On the stamp the images appear in white, the colour of purity, out of purple, the colour of divinity. the three coupled illustrations are surrounded by a scrolled ribbon made up of five figure threes – sacred numbers in Freemasonry – and was the unusual positioning of the wording meant to represent two great pillars? By its name and intention, the stamp proclaimed victory over evil, yet by its appearance it expressed compassion and hope.“ www.lodgestpatrick.co.nz/kingsspeech.phpThere was no precedent for issuing a stamp such as this.
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 22, 2017 21:36:28 GMT
It looks like it is a fault with their whole website. You can't even get a front page! Still, it is worth keeping an eye on, as it might well be something more substantial. |
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 22, 2017 21:38:28 GMT
George VI and the masonic Victory Stamp
A special postage stamp was designed by Reynolds Stone, a descendent of the painter Sir Joshua Reynolds, following a decision in 1946 to celebrate the ending of the World War II and the beginning of a necessary period of reconstruction. The design had the King’s approval. 24 million 3D (three old pence) ‘Victory Stamps’ were issued by the Post Office in 1946. I looked at this example and just saw a stamp: It was only when I read the following text that I learned that it is actually packed full of Masonic symbolism: “It depicts the King’s head in the East, his eyes firmly fixed on illustrations of a dove carrying an olive branch (representing peace and guidance), the square and compasses (in the second degree configuration) and a trowel and bricks (the sign of a Master spreading the cement that binds mankind in brotherly love). On the stamp the images appear in white, the colour of purity, out of purple, the colour of divinity. the three coupled illustrations are surrounded by a scrolled ribbon made up of five figure threes – sacred numbers in Freemasonry – and was the unusual positioning of the wording meant to represent two great pillars? By its name and intention, the stamp proclaimed victory over evil, yet by its appearance it expressed compassion and hope.“ www.lodgestpatrick.co.nz/kingsspeech.phpThere was no precedent for issuing a stamp such as this. Point of interest: the Capital of the United States was specially created. It's name? Washington DC. DC standing for District of Columbia. Columbia being a dove. There is talk that the whole city was planned out in a Masonic manner. Sorry for the tangent! |
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 23, 2017 7:25:28 GMT
I am glad that you saw the problem for yourself as the site is back now. Maybe it was having a Sunday break!
The involvement of George VI was unexpected. At least two of his brothers became masons, but probably just because it was expected of them. The photographs of Edward VII in regalia greatly outnumber pictures of the other royals mentioned so far.
I am not sure how much further we can go here. Prince Philip and Prince Andrew are reported to be masons, with Prince Charles being an exception.
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 24, 2017 5:54:30 GMT
Two of George VI’s brothers Not many pictures like this of these two. Being a mason was probably just a formality for them. The future King Edward VIII in 1927 and Prince George, Duke of Kent in their regalia:  
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 24, 2017 6:04:56 GMT
Two out of three ain’t bad
Most of the royal princes have been photographed in kilts. Many have been photographed at least once in masonic regalia. There are also pictures of some of them with pigs. It would be wonderful to get a picture of all three elements together! All I could find was one picture with two. This is not a good quality picture, but it is unusual in that the future George VI, here a Grand Master Mason, is wearing Scottish regalia: 
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 24, 2017 6:24:20 GMT
We three kings of Great Britain are
Stamps again: a fascinating and unusual piece of history. Three kings, two masons in the eventful year of 1936. I wonder how much this postcard is worth today: 
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 24, 2017 23:12:24 GMT
Some good additions, I see. I need to read them again more carefully, and really digest what is being uncovered. Seems like this could be deeper than first thought.
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 25, 2017 5:45:48 GMT
Maybe there is nothing of real significance to be found in these old pictures, which are certainly interesting.
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 25, 2017 5:49:51 GMT
Back to the Victorian royal masons
Edward, Prince of Wales may have started the revival and encouraged his brothers to become masons. Two out of the three joined him. It was what others at Court and in their social circles did. I think they just liked to play dress-up and be photographed wearing masonic regalia, kilts and military uniforms. Here we have the future Edward VII in 1886, with one of his brothers and his eldest son:  “The Prince of Wales (middle) with brother Prince Arthur, duke of Connaught (left) and son Prince Albert Victor, duke of Clarence and Avondale (right) all in some sort of masonic attires.” The Duke of Connaught, who is reported to have been Queen Victoria’s favourite child, lived to the age of 91. He succeeded his brother as Grand Master when Edward became king. Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, known as Eddy or Eddie, is the notorious Jack the Ripper suspect, the flawed heir who conveniently died young leaving the throne to George V. He looks to be an entered apprentice i.e. novice here. Here is Edward VII’s other Masonic brother, Prince Leopold, Duke of Albany, who was Queen Victoria’s youngest son and a haemophiliac who also died young. He looks to be an apprentice in the first picture, but is a Grand Master in the second:  
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 25, 2017 6:11:17 GMT
It makes you wonder what made them start to become Masons, and what they actually get up to...
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 25, 2017 17:42:20 GMT
It makes you wonder what made them start to become Masons, and what they actually get up to... I have mentioned a few possibilities, but we know that some things cannot be taken at face value. They certainly didn’t need the social status and networks as they already had connections and fancy titles of their own. Maybe they were actively recruited to be a front and give credibility and a cover of respectability to the brotherhood. Their public approval might put people’s doubts and fears to rest and encourage other men to participate. There could be layers of reasons of course. My favourite theory is that they just liked dressing up! Take Arthur Duke of Connaught for example. There are many pictures of him online, and he is wearing ornate clothes in many of them. He is wearing a strange costume for a fancy dress party here, and we also see him in 18th century Highland dress circa 1875:   In masonic regalia yet again:   |
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 25, 2017 17:44:11 GMT
Who didn’t become a mason, and why?
There is one in every generation:
Of Queen Victoria’s four sons, it was Alfred, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. He was the second son.
Of Edward VII’s four sons, it was George V. He was born the second son.
Of George V’s four surviving sons, it was Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, the third son.
Then there was Prince Charles. William and Harry are said to have shown no interest in becoming freemasons.
We will never know for sure why these royal princes opted out and went against tradition in doing so. Perhaps it was a form of rebellion, an assertion of individuality, in the past. In the world of today, there are many other opportunities, attractions and options for young men.
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 26, 2017 17:29:26 GMT
"I thought I would start a thread, to see just how intertwined the House of Windsor is with Freemasonry. I wonder how deep a rabbit hole it will turn out to be?"
Probably not very deep: at least, there will not be much that we can uncover from using material found online. There is very little to come from me now, and in my opinion royal involvement will slowly die out - at least so far as the official public side is concerned.
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 27, 2017 6:05:17 GMT
Today’s royal masons
Of living royal masons, the affiliation may be nominal in the cases of Prince Philip. I couldn’t find any pictures of him in the regalia or evidence of active participation. Prince Andrew and Prince Edward are said by one source to be Master Masons, but I couldn’t find any pictures. It seems unlikely to me. The two sons of Prince George, Duke of Kent are another matter. The current Duke of Kent, who is also Prince Edward, has been Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England since 1967. His brother Prince Michael of Kent is also a Grand Master. There are large numbers of pictures online. I chose the painting of Prince Michael because of the dove and the ark: “Of all fauna and flora related to a Craft lodge the dove and its olive branch are probably the most commonly seen. With few exceptions this is the emblem of the Deacons. It is when they are invested with their collars and International Travellerels that 'the dove bearing an olive branch' has its only place in the ritual. The same emblem appears on top of a Deacon's wand. The symbolism originates from Holy Scripture, where we read that a dove was released from the Ark by Noah, but 'found no rest for the sole of her foot and she returned; the second time she came back and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off', while the third time she 'returned not again unto him.' (Genesis 8:8-12). In this way, the dove and its olive branch carry the dual symbolism of the messenger (from the dove) as well as purity, peace and innocence (from the olive branch). The fruit of the olive tree is also connected with masonic ritual in that its oil was used to pay certain of the workmen employed in the construction of King Solomon's Temple. It is also used in the Consecration of a new lodge, as the symbol of peace and unity.” www.masonicworld.com/education/files/artjune01/plants_animals_freema.htm 
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 30, 2017 17:39:56 GMT
Two Masonic handshakes
Various aspects of the Boer war were discussed on the CC forum, where I put this attractive poster:  Here is a poster for a current exhibition at Freemasons' Hallin London:  King George V was not a mason, so this is probably just a coincidence.
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 30, 2017 23:04:21 GMT
I honestly never looked at the Boer War thread. Would it be an idea to start one here, do you wonder UnseenI? |
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Post by UnseenI on Oct 31, 2017 6:12:07 GMT
I honestly never looked at the Boer War thread. Would it be an idea to start one here, do you wonder UnseenI ? I think that it is not really relevant. Much of it was political and white nationalistic. |
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Post by Avacyn on Oct 31, 2017 14:44:37 GMT
Cool,I'll look at other topics,Then.
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Post by UnseenI on Nov 1, 2017 6:31:35 GMT
I have just remembered something that might be suitable for an existing thread, but I can't see that a thread of its own would get very far. We cannot cover everything and everyone!
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Post by Avacyn on Nov 1, 2017 23:29:13 GMT
A very good point, indeed. On the plus side, having this started up could well prove useful later. You never know what will turn up...
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Post by UnseenI on Nov 21, 2017 7:36:33 GMT
The announcement of the opening of the Royal Household Lodge was made in March 2008, and the news was widely reported at the time. Since then, there has been nothing more about this new lodge. I wonder why?
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Post by UnseenI on Nov 21, 2017 8:00:17 GMT
Name change for the Royal Household Lodge
From the new Lodge's website: "The story of how we came to be named Mulberry Lodge is rather long and tortuous. Originally the hope and desire was that we would use the name "Royal Household Lodge", but, after much negative and somewhat mischievous reporting and speculation in the Press in the Spring of 2008, we were obliged to seek an alternative name so as not to place the Royal Household in an embarrassing position, despite having the approbation of the MW Grand Master, HRH The Duke of Kent. After much consultation and discussion, we chose the name Mulberry Lodge. Why? The site where Buckingham Palace now stands was originally a Mulberry garden planted King James I (r. 1603-25) to rear silkworms. Unfortunately he chose the wrong kind of mulberry bushes, inedible to silkworms and, as a result, silk production never took off in Britain. A single mulberry tree still grows within the garden at Buckingham Palace. The name "Mulberry" acknowledges the connection of lodge members with Buckingham Palace and working within the environs of the Royal Household." www.mulberrylodge.info/mulberry-lodge/history-of-the-lodge/why-are-we-called-mulberry-lodge/
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