On this day in 1646, renowned scholar, scientist, antiquarian, public official and member of the Royal Society, Elias Ashmole was initiated as the first English "speculative" Freemason known to history. There were undoubtedly others – notably, Robert Moray in Scotland – but Ashmole is credited as the first recorded in England.From his diary:
October 16, 1646 at 4:30 p.m.
"I was made a Free Mason at Warrington in Lancashire, with Coll: Henry Mainwaring of Karincham in Cheshire. The names of those that were then of the Lodge: Mr. Rich Penket, Warden, Mr. James Collier, Mr. Rich. Sankey, Henry Littler, John Ellam, Rich. Ellam & Hugh Brewer."
His incredible personal collection became the basis for the Ashmolean Museum at Oxford University. Read more about him in Tobias Churton's book, The Magus of Freemasonry.
Notice how small the lodge was!
ReplyDeleteTraveling Man
A little off topic, but saw an original Ashmole go on e-bay for 8,500......I would have loved to have it, but the wife would have divorced me.
ReplyDeleteAnother great read about Ashmole's influence is The Golden Builders. Great read and really well researched book. I recommend it on a regular basis.
Thank you! I didn't know about that book!
ReplyDeleteElim