The History of Freemasonry, Volume II continues Albert G. Mackey’s expansive examination of the Craft’s origins and evolution, delving deeper into the philosophical, religious, and esoteric traditions that have shaped Masonic identity over the centuries.

The first part of the volume explores Freemasonry’s often-debated connections with various historical groups and currents of thought—ranging from the House of Stuart and the Jesuits, to Cromwell, the Royal Society, astrologers, Rosicrucians, Gnostics, Pythagoreans, and the Essenes. These chapters examine how such associations, whether factual or symbolic, have contributed to the rich mythos and intellectual framework of the fraternity. Key Masonic legends—such as those of Enoch, Noah, and Hiram Abif—are also explored in detail, as is the Leland Manuscript.

The second part of the book turns to a more structured historical narrative. Mackey charts the development of organized building traditions from the Roman colleges of artificers to the early Masonic presence in France and Britain, including the role of Anglo-Saxon guilds in shaping operative and speculative Masonry.

Written in the 19th century, this work reflects the spirit of its time—combining historical research with interpretive breadth. Volume II complements the first with further insight into the symbolic and institutional roots of Freemasonry, offering both reference value and philosophical depth for students of the Craft.

Contents

Chapter XXX – Freemasonry and the House of Stuart
Chapter XXXI – The Jesuits in Freemasonry
Chapter XXXII – Oliver Cromwell and Freemasonry
Chapter XXXIII – The Royal Society and Freemasonry
Chapter XXXIV – The Astrologers and the Freemasons
Chapter XXXV – The Rosicrucians and the Freemasons
Chapter XXXVI – The Rosicrucianism of the High Degrees
Chapter XXXVII – The Pythagoreans and Freemasonry
Chapter XXXVIII – Freemasonry and the Gnostics
Chapter XXXIX – The Socinians and Freemasonry
Chapter XL – Freemasonry and the Essenes
Chapter XLI – The Legend of Enoch
Chapter XLII – Noah and the Noachites
Chapter XLIII – The Legend of Hiram Abif
Chapter XLIV – The Leland Manuscript

Part Two – History of Freemasonry
Chapter I – Preliminary Outlook
Chapter II – The Roman Colleges of Artificers
Chapter III – Growth of the Roman Colleges
Chapter IV – The First Link: Settlement of Roman Colleges of Artificers in the Provinces of the Empire
Chapter V – Early Masonry in France
Chapter VI – Early Masonry in Britain
Chapter VII – Masonry Among the Anglo-Saxons
Chapter VIII – The Anglo-Saxon Guilds

The History of Freemasonry, Volume II continues Albert G. Mackey’s expansive examination of the Craft’s origins and evolution, delving deeper into the philosophical, religious, and esoteric traditions that have shaped Masonic identity over the centuries.

The first part of the volume explores Freemasonry’s often-debated connections with various historical groups and currents of thought—ranging from the House of Stuart and the Jesuits, to Cromwell, the Royal Society, astrologers, Rosicrucians, Gnostics, Pythagoreans, and the Essenes. These chapters examine how such associations, whether factual or symbolic, have contributed to the rich mythos and intellectual framework of the fraternity. Key Masonic legends—such as those of Enoch, Noah, and Hiram Abif—are also explored in detail, as is the Leland Manuscript.

The second part of the book turns to a more structured historical narrative. Mackey charts the development of organized building traditions from the Roman colleges of artificers to the early Masonic presence in France and Britain, including the role of Anglo-Saxon guilds in shaping operative and speculative Masonry.

Written in the 19th century, this work reflects the spirit of its time—combining historical research with interpretive breadth. Volume II complements the first with further insight into the symbolic and institutional roots of Freemasonry, offering both reference value and philosophical depth for students of the Craft.

Contents

Chapter XXX – Freemasonry and the House of Stuart
Chapter XXXI – The Jesuits in Freemasonry
Chapter XXXII – Oliver Cromwell and Freemasonry
Chapter XXXIII – The Royal Society and Freemasonry
Chapter XXXIV – The Astrologers and the Freemasons
Chapter XXXV – The Rosicrucians and the Freemasons
Chapter XXXVI – The Rosicrucianism of the High Degrees
Chapter XXXVII – The Pythagoreans and Freemasonry
Chapter XXXVIII – Freemasonry and the Gnostics
Chapter XXXIX – The Socinians and Freemasonry
Chapter XL – Freemasonry and the Essenes
Chapter XLI – The Legend of Enoch
Chapter XLII – Noah and the Noachites
Chapter XLIII – The Legend of Hiram Abif
Chapter XLIV – The Leland Manuscript

Part Two – History of Freemasonry
Chapter I – Preliminary Outlook
Chapter II – The Roman Colleges of Artificers
Chapter III – Growth of the Roman Colleges
Chapter IV – The First Link: Settlement of Roman Colleges of Artificers in the Provinces of the Empire
Chapter V – Early Masonry in France
Chapter VI – Early Masonry in Britain
Chapter VII – Masonry Among the Anglo-Saxons
Chapter VIII – The Anglo-Saxon Guilds