During the latter part of the twentieth century, the Press and Freemasonry had a tense relationship.
This had not always been the case and the rise in inflammatory press coverage seems to have stemmed from the far more ‘secretive’ nature of Freemasonry as an organisation after the Second World War, when it had been imperative for Masons in many countries across the globe to keep their membership secret for fear of persecution and death.
Particularly, from the 1980s onwards, anti-Masonry came from another angle – the media. Several books by journalist Stephen Knight – Jack the Ripper: The Final Solution (1976) and The Brotherhood (1984) – lit the touch paper for what would become a smouldering distrust of Freemasonry in general.
Allegations of Masonic corruption within the police force, judiciary and politics became a regular feature within the media – both TV and tabloids.
This era has been reflected in present day police procedural (Brithish) TV series such as Morse, Prime Suspect, Endeavour, Ashes to Ashes, Line of Duty and many more, all of which took the anti-Masonic stance of the press at the time.
Historian and journalist Paul Calderwood examines the slide from grace that Freemasonry received from the British Press, and subsequently by the general public, and the reasons behind it.
A fascinating book, not only for Freemasons but also those with an interest in social history.
Freemasonry and the Press in the Twentieth Century
A National Newspaper Study of England and Wales
by Paul Calderwood
About the Author
Paul Calderwood graduated in History from the University of Leicester and subsequently spent his working life in journalism and public relations.
More recently, his work has been featured in The Journal for Research into Freemasonry and Fraternalism, the leading academic journal in this field.
For his paper on Freemasonry and Architecture in Twentieth-century Britain, he was awarded the Norman B Spencer Prize by Quatuor Coronati Lodge, the premier lodge of Masonic research, in 2010, and, in the following year, he received the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Goldsmiths, University of London for his thesis on the history of Freemasonry and the Press in Twentieth-century Britain.
About the Book
By the end of the twentieth century, Freemasonry had acquired an unsavoury reputation as a secretive network of wealthy men looking out for each others’ interests.
The popular view is of an organisation that, if not actually corrupt, is certainly viewed with deep mistrust by the press and wider society.
Yet, as this book makes clear, this view contrasts sharply with the situation at the beginning of the century when the public’s perception of Freemasonry in Britain was much more benevolent, with numerous establishment figures (including monarchs, government ministers, archbishops and civic worthies) enthusiastically recommending Freemasonry as the key to model citizenship.
Focusing particularly on the role of the press, this book investigates the transformation of the image of Freemasonry in Britain from respectability to suspicion.
It describes how the media projected a positive message of the organisation for almost forty years, based on a mass of news emanating from the organisation itself, before a change in public regard occurred during the later twentieth-century.
This change in the public mood, the book argues, was due primarily to Masonic withdrawal from the public sphere and a disengagement with the press.
Through an examination of the subject of Freemasonry and the British press, a number of related social trends are addressed, including the decline of deference, the erosion of privacy, greater competition in the media, the emergence of more aggressive and investigative journalism, the consequences of media isolation and the rise of professional Public Relations.
The book also illuminates the organisation’s collisions with nationalism, communism, and state welfare provision. As such, the study is illuminating not only for students of Freemasonry, but those with an interest in the wider social history of modern Britain.
Recent Articles: book reviews
 Book Review - Freemasonry: The Entered Apprentice Guide Freemasonry: The Entered Apprentice Guide by Robert Wileman is an insightful and comprehensive resource that aims to guide the reader through the early stages of their journey into the world of Freemasonry. Written by an experienced Freemason, this book delves into the essential aspects of the fraternity, from its historical origins and philosophical foundations to the symbolism and rituals that define its core. |
 Book Review - Thinking, Fast and Slow Thinking, Fast and Slow is a ground breaking book by Nobel Prize-winning psychologist and economist Daniel Kahneman, which delves into the intricacies of human decision-making and cognitive biases. Published in 2011, the book is a culmination of decades of research by Kahneman and his late collaborator, Amos Tversky. It unravels the complexities of the human mind by exploring two distinct systems of thinking: System 1 and System 2. |
 Book Review - The Future of Freemasonry in Denmark Danish Freemasonry differs in important respects from international Freemasonry. Despite a ban on political and religious interference which has been in place for many years, these two areas have had a profound impact on the situation in Denmark today. Things in Denmark have gone wrong. |
 Book Review - Doneraile Court: The Story of the Lady Freemason “The book brings to life the perilous night Elizabeth was caught spying on Freemasons in the middle of an initiation ritual, forcing them to make a life-or-death decision,” - By Kathleen Aldworth Foster |
 Book Review - How to Join Freemasonry Are you curious about the origins of the fraternal organization known as Freemasonry? Do you want to learn more about its impact on modern society? Look no further than our comprehensive guide, "How to join Freemasonry; 12 things you should know first" |
 Book Review - The Path of Freemasonry – The Craft as a Spiritual Practice In this practical guide, that details the spiritual lessons and rituals of Freemasonry as a step-by-step path of spiritual development and self-improvement for both Masons and non-Masons, men and women, alike. By Mark Stavish |
 Book Review - Dudley Wright: Writer, Truthseeker & Freemason Dudley Wright (1868-1950) was an Englishman who took a universalist approach to the various great Truths of Life, he travelled though many religions in his life and wrote about them all, but was probably most at home with Islam. |
 Book Review - What Just Happened? By Hugh O'Neill This series of booklets will attempt to describe in plain terms what was involved in conferring the three degree, a little of its historical and traditional basis, as well as the ideas presented to new members for their contemplation now and in the future. By Hugh O'Neill |
 Book Review - Managing The Future of Freemasonry The golden years of Freemasonry have passed with the departure of a world never likely to return. We cannot pretend that our membership problem will simply go away. If we are to rescue our order, we must take an objective look at ourselves and understand the society we now face. By Dr David J West |
 Book Review - Anderson's Constitutions - 1723 This book contains a faithful reproduction of the first edition of the Constitutions of the Free-Masons, printed in London in 1723. The text, word spelling and paragraph size has been maintained, original restored decorations have been used, and font and character typesets have been carefully replicated. |
 The Freemasons - The History, Nature, Development and Secret of the Royal Art, was originally published in German under the title 'Die Friemaurer' and in 1930 was awarded the 'Peters-Baertsoen Prize' by the Grand Orient of Belgium. |
 Book Review - Learning Ritual - An Easy Process This book presents a simple, effective, and time-proven approach to the memorization and performance of Masonic ritual. Learning Ritual: A Simple Process offers the reader a simple universal approach to any form of Masonic ritual whether it is Blue or Craft Lodge or that of a high degree. |
 Book Review - Over 300 years of Masonic Ritual This book celebrates the 300th anniversary of the founding of the Premier Grand Lodge in June 1717, by reviewing the basis of our workings from the earliest records to the formation of the United Grand Lodge of England in December 1813 and further. |
 Book Review - Seven Habits of Highly Successful Lodges Successful Lodges tend to share several common features. In this exciting new book, well-known author and speaker Tony Harvey draws on his extensive experience in different areas within Freemasonry to identify the key features most often seen in our strongest, happiest, and most attractive Lodges. |
 Ben Zion's awaited second book - This book contains a highly thought-provoking, or perhaps, more crucially a challenging narrative on the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry. There is no cautious conjecture, no frivolous ‘woo-woo’ approach, Zion dives straight in and makes us think…hard! |
 Book Review - Chapter & Verse: 100 years of Royal Arch Talks The publication of Chapter & Verse is in celebration of the centenary of Authors’ Chapter No. 3456; it takes the form of an anthology of some seventy-five talks presented in the Chapter. The spread of authors ensures divers interpretations of the Royal Arch narrative and dramatis personae. |
 Book Review - Freemasons: 555 Illustrations Written by one of the highest Masonic dignitaries, this unique book reveals the secrets of Freemasonry in inspiring images and quotes. |
 Book review - More Light: Collected Masonic Writings 2017-2021 This book delivers a collection of the author’s articles from RiteNow, the magazine of the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh, along with a history of Freemasonry – both worldwide, and in the Pittsburgh area specifically. |
 The eagerly anticipated sequel to the best-selling esoteric Masonic book of 2021 - "Whence Come You". High Meridian (The 'Light' Series Book 2) by Ben Zion - This book takes the reader to that next stage in a seeker's journey, and using Masonic imagery and symbolism as a necessary backdrop against which a deeper spiritual understanding can be found… |
 Book Review - 21st Century Rosicrucianism When the original Rosicrucian pamphlets were circulated in the early 1600s they sent a shockwave across Europe, instigating a surge of activity that changed the course of Western Esotericism. |
 Book Review - The Freethinking Freemason Tim Bryce's "The Freethinking Freemason" offers sage advice on how to run a Masonic Lodge, editorials on the future direction of the fraternity, and stories aimed at entertaining Masons. |
 Book Review - Inventing the Future This book sets out those principles, considers the people involved and explores the framework within which their ideas were formed. And it discusses how the Constitutions evolved. - By Ric Berman |
 Secret History of the Wild, Wild West Exclusive Extract of Daniel Duke's new book 'Secret History of the Wild, Wild West – Outlaws, Secret Societies and hidden Agendas of the Elite'. |
 Book Review – Haunted Chambers: The Lives of Early Women Freemasons These women aren't supposed to have existed. But they did. "Haunted Chambers", for the first time ever, presents not only the most complete list of early women Freemasons but also as much detail about their lives as can still be found. By Karen Kidd |
 Book Review - Freemasonry & the Enlightenment This superbly illustrated study of Free masonry’s influence on Western culture, especially in the 18th and early19th centuries, has been recognised as one of the most original and important contributions towards a greater understanding of the Enlightenment published in recent times. |
 Book Review - Widows Sons: Outlaw Bikers or Masonic Ambassadors Outlaw Bikers or Masonic Ambassadors. Fully recognised and approved by the United Grand Lodge of England, 2018 marked the twentieth anniversary of the creation of the Widows Sons, with 2019 marking the fifteenth anniversary of the Widows Sons starting in the UK. Book by Wayne Owens. |
 Book Review - Freemasonry - Theory of the Origins This book charts the transformational processes which combine in a peak between the end of the seventeenth and the start of the eighteenth century. By Fabio Venzi |
 Book Review – Robert's Rules of Order: Masonic Edition New Updated Edition with section for online Masonic gatherings! - Experienced legislators, editors, civic leaders, business executives, and club officers all pronounce Robert's Rules of Order the best parliamentary guide in the English language. |
 Book Review - The Point Within the Circle This is a very unusual book on Freemasonry. It takes the reader on a journey through some of the esoteric elements that are integral to Freemasonry's design. It shows how the Masonic temple itself is constructed in accordance with three ancient systems. By Matthew Ridgley Clark |
 Book Review - Famous Freemasons who Changed the World There are 110 biographical entries in the book. Famous people where also Freemasons who changed the world by Kent Henderson |
 Book Review - The Full Spectrum of Freemasonry This book reflects the author’s research interests in Victorian Freemasonry, and the Orders beyond the Craft and provides a better understanding of how the other Masonic Orders have grown and developed in parallel with Craft Masonry by Richard Gan |
 Book Review - Some Masonic Musings The papers in this volume cover fifty years of research and thought. They were often also produced to fill out programmes for Lodges of Research and there is a degree of repetition and overlap. by Aubrey N. Newman |
 Book Review - The Siblys of London The colourful life of Ebenezer Sibly; a quack doctor, plagiarist, and masonic ritualist in late eighteenth-century London; by Dr Susan Mitchell Sommers |
 Book Review – We Three or Three Such as We No review can begin to touch the sensitivity with which the people therein have been described, nor the extent of the layers and levels of their esoteric lodge experience, something that sadly few will ever achieve |
 Book Review - In The Steps Of The Templars This comprehensive, authoritative, up to date history of the Masonic Knight Templar and Knights of Malta covers everything from the crusading Orders of Knighthood from which the modern Masonic Templar Orders |
 Book Review - Alternative Masonic Addresses For The Craft Degrees Do you get asked to give an address at your lodge ? Are you looking for an alternative address ? Then take a look at this collection of alternative masonic addresses for the craft degrees prepared by Lewis Masonic |
 Book Review – The Freemasons Stopped in the Middle of the Ford This book tries to approach Freemasonry from different sides; not so much to explain how he understands it as to encourage the reader to seek his own answers – on its methods, its organization, and its meaning. By Peter Bu |
 Book Review - Making A Daily Advancement In this work the author brings together a whole range of Masonic facts including the origins of our customs, our rituals and our practices, by Michael Lawrence |
 Book Review - A Glossary Of The Craft And Holy Royal Arch Ritual Terms This handy little book describes the origins and original meanings of the sometimes obscure words used in our ritual by Brigadier A.C.F. Jackson |
 Book Review - A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program Masonic Education has regrettably been reduced to teaching protocol, traditions, and catechism while ignoring the esoteric essence of the ritual. By Shaun Bradshaw (Author), Ben Wallace (Author), Flynn Ryan (Cover Art) |
 Book Review - Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar The Templars were an unusual Order in that they lived both an active and contemplative life; making them effectively the first warrior-monks in the western world. by Stephen Dafoe |
 Book Review - A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry Like several of America’s founding fathers, George Washington was a Freemason. In 'A Deserving Brother', Mark Tabbert presents a complete story of Washington’s known association with Freemasonry. |
 Book Review - Taken by Surprise Never again will a Freemason be caught out by a last-minute request to make a response. - Taken by Surprise by Yasha Beresiner |
 Book review - The Tracing Boards of the First Degree The Tracing Board is a picture that encloses the quintessence of the ritual of the Degree and transmits it through symbols and images. By Enrico Marcia |
 Book Review - The Other Brotherhood: When Freemasonry Crossed the English Channel An excellent book, being perfect for Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike who want to explore the origins of Freemasonry and to examine how it influenced French thought in the eighteenth century |
 The message of the book is essentially one of Freemasonry being unequivocally esoteric – spiritual – and that is something that many Masons may balk at but it is a topic that needs discussing rationally. |
 Book Review - Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3 Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3 - The relationship between a Fellowcraft and their Master is how the traditional wisdom of our Craft is passed on. |
 Book Review - Freemasonry in London from 1785 This book is a well-researched study by a competent masonic scholar who has welded links from the changing scenes that arose in an era in which the most important step forward in organised Freemasonry was taken… |
 Book Review - The Masonry of the «Moderns»: History and Rituality The Masonic ritual world dates back to the 18th century, both from England and from France, which is still our most valuable reference. |
 Book Review - Meditations of a Flawed Ashlar Many readers will probably be familiar with Bill Hosler – he is a much-respected and veteran American Freemason and a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog. |
 Book Review - Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality - Angel Millar Angel Millar is a well-known lecturer on Freemasonry, initiation, and esotericism as well as an artist and student of the martial arts. The author of several books. |
 Book Review - The Rite of Seven Degrees This book examines the deeply esoteric eighteenth-century Rite of Seven Degrees. |
 Book Review - The Green Book of the Elus Coens The Green Book of the Élus Coëns is the most fascinating insight yet into the secrets and mysteries of the eighteenth century’s most esoteric of masonic societies – The Order of Knight-Mason Elect-Cohens of the Universe. |
 Book Review - Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind: A glance at Freemasonry during the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions. |
 Book Review - The Masonic Pageant The Masonic Pageant is published by Cornerstone Book Publishers and features a nice foreword by Chris Hodapp, 33°. |
 DVD Review - A Mighty Good Man A drama-documentary of the life of Elias Ashmole including a reconstruction of the first personally recorded Free Masonic Initiation into a Lodge anywhere in the world. |
 It is reasonable to suggest that when published, Invisibles was the most comprehensive, comparative study, to date, of the Rosicrucian mega-meme. |
 Book Review - Mnemonic Methods Within this book 'Mnemonic Methods by Robert Fludd', translator Paul Ferguson introduces us to the English translation of two of Fludd's short treatises on memory |
 Book Review - English Illuminati This book gives us a deep look into the European occult revival of the late nineteenth century and some of its key figures… |
 Book Review - Emulation: A Ritual to Remember How does one begin to review a masonic classic which has faithfully served generations? Perhaps starting with the title Emulation: A Ritual to Remember. |
 Book Review - The Rosslyn Hoax Robert Cooper asks, would you like to know the truth about Rosslyn Chapel ? |
 Book Review - Mastering Masonic Ritual Mastering Masonic Ritual is focused on preparing for a successful and fulfilling journey around the floor to the Chair. |
 Book Review - Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz A review of Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz - Collected Papers 2008-2016 |
 Book Review - Freemasonry: Material Moral and Mystical A review of Freemasonry: Material, Moral, and Mystical by Tony Baker |
 Book Review - The Masonic Tutor's Handbook 2 A review of The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Vol 2 - Freemasonry - After Covid 19 by Robert Lomas |
 Book Review - Three Distinct Knocks - John Meeks "Why don't these new guys come back?" This is the question I often hear; and it is this same question that pushed me to write this book. - John Meek |
 Book Review - Soldier and Mason Soldier and Mason: The Life of Charles Warren Napier-Clavering |
 Book Review - Bohemian Masonic Glass A completely unique narrative publication mapping the phenomenon of glass production for the needs of Masonic lodges |
 Book Review - This Chequered Existence Gerald Reilly reviews this new book covering the near-modern history of Freemasonry in England and Wales during the 20th-century. |
 Book Review - The EA, FC, MM Handbooks Essential reading for every Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason - these seminal books by J.S.M Ward are what every Mason needs! |
 Book Review - The Freemasons who won America's War for Independence Find out who were the Freemasons who won America's War for Independence |
 Book Review - Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz A book review of Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz by Cécile Révauger |
 Book Review - Crime and the Craft Crime and the Craft reveals that the Freemasons have been involved in treason, murder, conspiracy, fraud, and scandal from the time of the English Civil War to the 1980s. |
 Book Review - Focus on Ric Berman Focus on Ric Berman a British historian who writes about the intersection of freemasonry, politics and society. |
 Book Review - The Temple That Never Sleeps Freemasons and E-Masonry Toward a New Paradigm |
 Book Review - The Secret School of Wisdom The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati is a pioneering text |
 Book Review - Charles Warren: Royal Engineer in the Age of Empire Sir Charles Warren, the Police Commissioner who failed to catch 'Jack the Ripper' |
 Book Review - Freemasonry and the Press in the Twentieth Century During the latter part of the twentieth century, the Press and Freemasonry had a tense relationship. |
 Book Review - Who was Hiram Abiff? Every Freemason must have at some point asked himself the above question. |
 The new MBC will have a different business model than the old. |
 Book Review - Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure Lost Templar Treasure: Secret Diaries, Coded Maps, and the Knights of the Golden Circle |
 Book Review - The Enigma of the Royal Arch Holy Royal Arch What's it all about |
 Review of the new book The Craft by John Dickie, Professor of Italian Studies at University College London |
 Book Review - For Hills and Valleys For Hills and Valleys, Mobile Schools and Republicanism in the Zêzere Valley By Aires Henriques |
 DVD Review - 33 and Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry 33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry, is perhaps the most fascinating and important documentary ever made on the on the subject matter of Freemasonry. |
 Book Review - History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia Book review by guest reviewer Gheorghe Bichicean on the History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia by Alexandru Rufanda |
 A new Board Game based on The Freemasons |
 Book Review - The Lost Keys of Freemasonry Introduction to The Lost Keys of Freemasonry by Manly P. Hall |
 A system of morality – Aristotle and the making of the ritual by Professor G.R. Boys-Stones |
 Book Review - History of the Grand Orient of Italy In depth book review in to the History of the Grand Orient of Italy by the author |
 Book Review – Freemasonry It's Hidden Meaning Youtube Book review by Baruti KMT-Sisouvong |
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device
