The Origins and History of the Order of the Free Gardeners
Robert L. D. Cooper
Published: 01/08/2024
Freemasonry only had one serious competitor and that was from Free Gardenery. Both
came from the same roots, the former from the trade of stonemasonry and the latter, that
of gardening. It was anticipated that membership of Lodges would be drawn from men
working in those trades. But from the outset Free Gardeners initiated men who were not
gardeners and this was specifically catered for in their first written rules of the order. What
attracted these gentlemen gardeners to seeks admission to a Lodge is not clear but perhaps
the elaborate rituals, regalia and practical advice cannot be ruled out.
The parallels between Free Gardenery and Freemasonry were remarkably similarity to
Freemasonry in that both were created by operative Scottish gardeners and stonemasons
respectively. A comparison between the two orders, their origins and development provides
an unusual dimension for the study of both.
This book provides the reader and fantastic introduction to the fraternity of Free Gardeners
outlining its history, showing its regalia and describing its degrees.
£10.00
Description
Freemasonry only had one serious competitor and that was from Free Gardenery. Both
came from the same roots, the former from the trade of stonemasonry and the latter, that
of gardening. It was anticipated that membership of Lodges would be drawn from men
working in those trades. But from the outset Free Gardeners initiated men who were not
gardeners and this was specifically catered for in their first written rules of the order. What
attracted these gentlemen gardeners to seeks admission to a Lodge is not clear but perhaps
the elaborate rituals, regalia and practical advice cannot be ruled out.
The parallels between Free Gardenery and Freemasonry were remarkably similarity to
Freemasonry in that both were created by operative Scottish gardeners and stonemasons
respectively. A comparison between the two orders, their origins and development provides
an unusual dimension for the study of both.
This book provides the reader and fantastic introduction to the fraternity of Free Gardeners
outlining its history, showing its regalia and describing its degrees
