Branwell Bronte, Freemasonry and the Knights Templar
The origins and evolution of Freemasonry are a matter of some debate and conjecture which has been reinforced by the esoteric nature of the society and it's apparent secrecy. One particular Masonic oath reads "To all of which I do most solemnly and sincerely promise and swear, without the least equivocation, mental reservation, or self evasion of mind in me whatever; binding myself under no less penalty than to have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots, and my body buried in the rough sands of the sea at low-water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours" This oath is sworn by the initiate whilst kneeling,blindfolded at the alter,with his hands placed on a sacred text.(See Images of the author as Branwell in the timeline below) Times have changed however and many of the roots of freemasonry have now become public, it's aims, beliefs and symbols. The following explores some of the connections between the Haworth branch of freemasonry, the Knights Templar and the Brontë family. An intriguing and sometimes surprising story that will be expanded on in the future including the connection with the Cavendish family and their title of Duke of Devonshire and alchemy ! |
Timeline of Freemasonry in Haworth
1792 Lodge of the Three Graces is founded at the Seven Stars public house in Barnoldswick
1795 Prince George Lodge number 308 is founded in Haworth at the White Lion Public House
1805 Proposal for the Three Graces to be become a Knights Templar degree masonic lodge cause a dispute when Stephen Paslaw substitutes his own name as principal in place of John Barraclough and an emergency meeting is called.
1806 Three graces moves to Haworth and holds meetings in the Black Bull public house. (White Lion vs Black Bull. interesting Good vs Evil scenario)
1812 Prince George Lodge moves to Bottoms in Hebden Bridge leaving Three Graces as the sole lodge in Haworth.
1833 Three Graces move to new premises at Newell Hill (to be renamed Lodge street)
1836 Letter recieved by the lodge stating that "The Rev.P.Bronte is the Minister of the Chapelry of Haworth, and always appears to be very favourable to Masonry"
1836 (April) Branwell Brontë is initiated into the Three Graces
1836 (April 25th) Branwell is elevated to the sublime position of Master Mason, an extraordinary swift rise through the 3 degrees
1836 Formation of the first sister lodge In Cullingworth Scientific Lodge No. 642 (For practice of practical Hermeticism)
1840 (circa) Branwell paints the portrait of William Thomas onto his Masonic apron
1847 Jane Eyre published replete with Masonic symbology
1848 (24th September) Branwell dies
1856 A ladies day is established in the Lodge
1857 Elizabeth Gaskell publishes 'The life of Charlotte Brontë
1893 Brontë society founded and moves into the Yorkshire Penny Bank building, Main Street Haworth.
1878 St.John’s Lodge formed as a sister lodge to Three Graces at Halifax
1892 Knights Templar Degree was revived for centenary celebrations.
1896 Colne Corporation buy land around Wycoller to build a reservoir, Manchester Evening Post conveniently 'discover' that Wycoller hall could be Ferndean
1906 It was resolved at a meeting that a new, larger Lodge should be established
1907 The Lodge of the Three Graces moved to their present location at Mill Hey, Haworth.
1909 Masonic publication 'Souvenir. Visit of provincial priory of West Yorkshire to Haworth June 12th 1909" States Wycoller Hall as being Fendean
1946 Bronte society become involved in a project to save Wycoller hall.
1979 William Thomas apron painted by Branwell goes on display at Duncombe Place Lodge, York
1999 Dispute between 5 Lodges in York as to who owns Branwells personal Masonic apron becomes public.
1836 Formation of the first sister lodge In Cullingworth Scientific Lodge No. 642 (For practice of practical Hermeticism)
1840 (circa) Branwell paints the portrait of William Thomas onto his Masonic apron
1847 Jane Eyre published replete with Masonic symbology
1848 (24th September) Branwell dies
1856 A ladies day is established in the Lodge
1857 Elizabeth Gaskell publishes 'The life of Charlotte Brontë
1893 Brontë society founded and moves into the Yorkshire Penny Bank building, Main Street Haworth.
1878 St.John’s Lodge formed as a sister lodge to Three Graces at Halifax
1892 Knights Templar Degree was revived for centenary celebrations.
1896 Colne Corporation buy land around Wycoller to build a reservoir, Manchester Evening Post conveniently 'discover' that Wycoller hall could be Ferndean
1906 It was resolved at a meeting that a new, larger Lodge should be established
1907 The Lodge of the Three Graces moved to their present location at Mill Hey, Haworth.
1909 Masonic publication 'Souvenir. Visit of provincial priory of West Yorkshire to Haworth June 12th 1909" States Wycoller Hall as being Fendean
1946 Bronte society become involved in a project to save Wycoller hall.
1979 William Thomas apron painted by Branwell goes on display at Duncombe Place Lodge, York
1999 Dispute between 5 Lodges in York as to who owns Branwells personal Masonic apron becomes public.
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The Knights Templar Cross or Cross of Lorraine
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Pope Eugene III granted the Knights Templar the Cross of Lorraine. Pope Eugene III was also a disciple of St. Bernard of Clairvaux who founded the Templars at the Council of Troyes, northeastern France, in the 12th century. Hermetic alchemists of the Renaissance also used the emblem as a symbol of earth and spirit by combining the square earth cross with the cross of Christ. When drawn symmetrically, it symbolised the hermetic maxim, "As above, so below". From Wikipedia Hermeticism - the three parts of the wisdom of the whole universe Alchemy - The Operation of the Sun: is not simply the changing of physical lead into physical gold. It is an investigation into the spiritual constitution, or life of matter and material existence through an application of the mysteries of birth, death and resurrection. The various stages of chemical distillation and fermentation, among them, are aspects of these mysteries, that, when applied quicken Nature's processes in order to bring a natural body to perfection.This perfection is the accomplishment of the Magnum opus Latin for Great Work and also used as a masonic maxim. Astrology - The Operation of the Moon: Hermes claims that Zoroaster discovered this part of the wisdom of the whole universe, astrology, and taught it to man. In Hermetic thought, it is likely that the movements of the planets have meaning beyond the laws of physics and actually hold metaphorical value as symbols in the mind of The All, or God. Astrology has influences upon the Earth, but does not dictate our actions, and wisdom is gained when we know what these influences are and how to deal with them. Theurgy - The Operation of the Stars: There are two different types of magic, according to Giovanni Pico della Mirandola's Apology, completely opposite of each other. The first is γοητεια, Goëtia, black magic reliant upon an alliance with evil spirits (i.e. demons). The second is Theurgy, divine magic reliant upon an alliance with divine spirits (i.e. angels, archangels, gods). Theurgy translates to "The Science or art of Divine Works" and is the practical aspect of the Hermetic art of alchemy. Furthermore, alchemy is seen as the "key" to theurgy, the ultimate goal of which is to become united with higher counterparts, leading to the attainment of Divine Consciousness. |
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