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The “Wood MS.” The Constitutiones of Masonrye. Newly translated by J. Whitestones for John Sargensonne. 1610.

Date:- 1610 -

UGLE Classification:- BE 94 WHI - :

WMLMT Classification:- Constitutions,Regulations

Country of Origin:- England -

Order:- Craft (& Freemasonry General)

Details

This copy of the “Old Charges” is also on Vellum, with occasionally illuminated letters, and has not only an index, but also the Finis de Tabula, considered to be of a very archaic character. It was the property of the late Bro. Woodford, and was purchased as was the “Inigo Jones” MS., thus with the Lechmere MS., there are three old MSS. in the Library. The “Wood MS.” was published in the “Masonic Magazine” for June, 1881, by the late lamented owner, who was never better pleased than in making his treasures the possession of many, through the medium of the “Freemason,” and the “Masonic Magazine,” &c. Dr. Begemann classes it with” Sunday Forms,” such as the Melrose MS. of 1674 (copy from one of the previous century), the “Aberdeen MS. of 1670, &c. - Some 50 of these Scrolls are still preserved, mostly of the 17th and 18th Centuries, but some are much earlier even as respects their dates of transcription, and all are representatives of prototypes, possibly of the 14th Century, if not prior to that period. The Wills or MSS. were read to candidates on their Initiation, and are of a Christian character, as was the Cratt until the last Century; the Cosmopolitan basis of the Society being modern.

Properties

16 leaves, 9”x6½”. Red morocco binding (modern).