1891/79

The Constitutions of the Freemasons. 1723

Date:- 1723 -

UGLE Classification:- BE 94 GRA - Government and Organisation of the Craft: Constitutions and Laws, Texts

WMLMT Classification:- Constitutions,Regulations

Country of Origin:- England -

Order:- Craft (& Freemasonry General)

Details

Containing the History, Charges, Regulations, &e., of that most Ancient and Right Worshipful Fraternity. For the use of the Lodges.

(Autograph—Henry Hobart.) London Printed by William Hunter, for John Lenex, at the Globe, and John Hooke, at the Flower-de-Luce, over against St. Dunstan’s Church in Fleet Street. In the year of Masonry, 5723; Anno Domini, 1723. The first Book of Constitutions for the use of members ofthe premier Grand Lodge of England, and the standard for all the early Grand Lodges, started directly or indirectly through its influence. Copies are rarely met with now, and are priced from ten guineas and upwards, according to condition. There are onlytwo or three complete sets known, and even of the chief editions from 1723 to 1888, the numbers are so few, scattered throughout the world, that either edition is a prize for any collection. In this Library the whole are preserved, and as such was exhibited by Bro. Geo. Taylor at the Shanklin Exhibition in 1888. Another perfect set, owned by Bro. J. E. Le Feuvre, being loaned for our Plymouth Masonic Exhibition in 1887. It would be almost useless to fix any financial estimate for such a complete series, as practically they cannot be obtained at any price. (Vide Reprint of my Articles on the “Constitutions.”) This particular volume, which is a sumptuous copy, I understand cost the Province of Worcestershire nine shillings!

Many other treasures in Books, Medals, &c., Pro. Taylor unearthed, at a similar cost, from odd corners where their value was not known.

Properties

pp. (6). 91. 9½”x7¼”.