crafted in stone

A History of the

WORSHIPFUL COMPANY OF masons

ian stone

ISBN: 978-1-8384510-4-2

Published: 2023

189mm x 246mm

Hardback

416 pages

For many centuries, stonemasons have shaped our built environment. In medieval London, they established guilds and fraternities from which the present-day Worshipful Company of Masons descends. This history chronicles the ­fortunes and setbacks of the Masons’ Company and its members over a period of more than 600 years. 

What is the Masons’ Company today, and what role does it play in the modern City of London? How were the lives of its members shaped by the challenges of the Black Death, the ­Reformation, the demands of the Crown to develop Ulster, and the Great Fire? What did happen to Masons’ Hall? And is there any historic link between the ­Company and Freemasonry? 

This authoritative and comprehensive ­history is a thorough yet engaging read that brings the Company’s world to life. It explains how the Company was granted the right to bear arms, how it obtained its royal charter, and it ­introduces some of the most prominent ­characters in the Company’s history – many of whom built ­structures that remain in modern London. It also records the Company’s inner workings, its ­activities, and where it used to meet; furthermore, it reveals the events over the centuries that have shaped the craft and fraternity between masons, the City of London, and the wider world. 

The history concludes in the 21st century, where it finds a vibrant City livery ­company whose members join in fellowship with ­philanthropic charity in support of the men and women who continue to learn and practise their trade as stonemasons.

Ian Stone, author, read for his doctorate at King’s ­College London. He completed a Junior Research Fellowship at the Institute of Historical Research, and he has now returned to King’s College as a Visiting Research Fellow. He has published extensively on the history of London, and he teaches related courses for Dartmouth College and Skidmore College.

Michael St John Parker, Editor, is the Company’s Hon. Archivist, and his work among their records helped to lay foundations for the present History.  He is an F.S.A., with degrees from both ­Cambridge and Oxford.  Before becoming a research historian, he was head of the ­history department at Winchester College, and subsequently Headmaster of Abingdon School. 

Richard Woodman-Bailey, Managing Editor, was ­Master ­Mason in 2010.  ­Having ­initially trained as a ­stonemason, he qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and ­Chartered ­Construction ­Manager, and has had a ­variety of ­technical and ­leadership roles in a ­successful career.  His wide spectrum of interests led him to produce his firm’s centenary ­history book, a valuable ­experience … now put to good use!