Close This Window [X]

Detail: PLOT
.....
However, in 1686, Dr. Robert Plot ,  custodian of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford,  published his Natural History of Staffordshire.  Although seeking to mock Freemasonry he provided us with some evidence concerning Lodges at that time and how influential Free-Masons  had become. 

To these add the Customs relating to the County, whereof they have one, of admitting Men into the Society of Free-Masons, that in the moorelands of the County seems to be of greatest request, than any where else, though I find the Custom spread more or less all over the Nation, for here I found persons of the most eminent quality, that did not disdain to be of this Fellowship. Nor indeed need they, were it of that Antiquity and honor, that is pretended` in a large  parchment volum they have amongst them, containing the History and Rules of the craft of masonry. Which is there deduced not only from sacred writ, but profane story, particularly that it was brought into England by StAmphibal, and first communicated to S. Alban, who set down the Charges of masonry, and was made paymaster and Governor of the Kings works, and gave them charges and manners as St Amphibal had taught him. Which were after confirmed by King Athelstan, whose youngest son Edwyn loved well masonry, took upon himself the charges and, learned the manners, and obtained for them of his Father, a free-Charter. Whereupon he caused them to assemble at York, and to bring all the old Books of their craft9 and out of them ordained such charges and manners, as they then thought fit: which charges in the said Schrole or Parchment volum, are in part declared: and thus was the craft of masonry grounded and confirmed in England. It is also there declared that these charges and manners were after perused and approved by King Hen. 6. and his council, both as to Masters and Fellows of this right Worshipfull Craft.23

At the very end of his account, in one fragment of an immensely convoluted sentence,  Dr. Plot  launches his attack:

. . . but some others [practices] they have (to which they are sworn after their fashion), that none know but themselves, which I have reason to suspect are much worse than these, perhaps as bad as this History of the craft it self; than which there is nothing I ever met with, more false or incoherent.

I suspect that professional historians do not have a high regard for Dr. Anderson or Dr. Plot.