What is the origin of freemasonry?
The origin of Freemasonry can be traced back to the craftsmen's guilds that emerged after the Norman Conquest. Masons did not form guilds in the traditional sense but established 'Lodges' associated with specific quarries or buildings. These Lodges aimed to regulate trade, uphold moral standards, and impart knowledge to younger members. The earliest Masonic manuscripts, such as the Regius Manuscript (circa A.D. 1390) and the Cooke Manuscript (15th Century), indicate that even in these early times, Lodges admitted non-working members, known as 'Accepted' Masons. Over time, the operative aspect of the Lodges diminished, giving way to a more speculative form of Freemasonry. In 1717, four Lodges in London formed the first Grand Lodge, which marked a significant turning point in the organization and spread of Freemasonry worldwide. This Grand Lodge dissociated the Craft from any specific religious creed, allowing men of various faiths to join, provided they believed in a Supreme Being.