This insightful and richly researched book explores how Freemasonry in England and Wales adapted during one of its most defining periods—following the Unlawful Societies Act of 1799, which cast a shadow over secret societies.
David Harrison traces how the Craft, once associated with revolutionary suspicion, evolved during the Victorian era to become one of the most enduring and enigmatic fraternal organisations. The book uncovers a number of fascinating themes, including:
The transformation of Freemasonry during the 19th century
Masonic links to the transatlantic slave trade and Liverpool’s port history
The mysterious Liverpool Masonic Rebellion and Wigan Grand Lodge
How Freemasonry began to attract the interest of Victorian occultists
With compelling historical detail, this book offers an accessible yet scholarly take on the sociopolitical and cultural journey of the Craft. It’s ideal for Freemasons, historians, and readers interested in the wider context of fraternal societies and their place in British society.
Key Details:
ISBN: 978-1-84549-437-7
UK RRP: £14.95
Publisher: Arima Publishing
Format: Paperback
Also available in USA and Europe
A must-read for those who enjoyed Harrison’s The Genesis of Freemasonry, and anyone curious about the Craft’s evolving identity in British history.
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