Our Distinguishing Badge

A Masonic Talk by Clive Moore. 12 A5 pages including illustrations, plus illustrated covers.

This booklet is about the origins and form of the regalia worn in English Craft Lodges. The white apron has been the badge of a Mason for many hundreds of years; but the author also provides brief histories for many other items of Craft regalia, including collars, gloves, jewels, hats, swords, uniforms, and ties. Not only does the booklet answer the basic questions often asked by Initiates, it also provides fascinating additional information for more experienced Masons; such as why did the early aprons have different colour trimmings, are they in fact 'levels' on our Masters' aprons, and when were black ties first worn?

The author has consulted many sources; including Books of Constitutions, lodge histories, Masonic Exposures, and the works of many distinguished Masonic historians. The surviving pieces of early regalia were also considered; but given the individualism once permitted in design and decoration he was careful not to take a unique item as being typical of its time.