---
title: 'The Origin of Free Masonry'
type: pdf
hasMedia: true
requiresPurchase: false
authors:
- 'Robert Ellis Thompson'
date: 1871-12-01
collection: 'Archives'
subcollection: '19th century'
topics:
- 'Ancient and Medieval Church History'
- 'History (General)'
scriptures:
- 'Exodus 31'
- 'Genesis 1'
url: https://confessional.org/archives/19th-century/thompson-1871-the-origin-of-free-masonry
---

# The Origin of Free Masonry

Survey arguing that Free Masonry arose from medieval operative masons' guilds—centered at Strasbourg cathedral—rather than an ancient speculative order; traces guild practices and myths.

[Download](https://media.confessional.org/archives/thompson-1871-the-origin-of-free-masonry.pdf)