There is evidence of a number of ancient societies some of which have of course, fallen into disuse. It is interesting to understand how and why they came into existence. Those that survived seem generally to have been based on the day-to-day lives of ‘ordinary’ working men. Specifically, those of a particular craft or trade. In other words, they were based on practical knowledge.

This is quite different from those like the Buffaloes, Lions, Odd Fellows and Shepherds, (among others) which although fine organisations, were not based on an occupation but upon the figment of someone’s imagination, interest or even fascination.

The Free Masons (ancient records record the societies’ name as being two words), Free Fishermen, Free Foresters and Free Gardeners still exist and have ancient roots in Scotland. The Free Wrights, (ie, Free Carpenters) are fairly well known and although some of their regalia is still in existence, records of minutes and ritual are scarce. Then there are the Free Shipwrights. Shipwrights were the men who built wooden ships.

All these groups had occupational origins they also had something else in common – ritual:

The Free Masons have a building central to their ritual. What is the first known stone building? Solomon’s Temple. Where are the details of this structure, who built it and why? The Old Testament.

Consider also the Free Gardeners. Which is the first garden in the world? The Old Testament informs us of the Garden of Eden. What would you think their rituals contained?

Lastly, what was the first wooden ship mentioned in the bible? Noah’s Ark. Have a guess at what the shipwright’s ritual is based on, although the story of Noah can also be found woven into Craft ritual practiced before 1717 and today in the beautiful RAM ritual.

THE FREE WRIGHTS

Free Masonry originated with the men who used stone to erect buildings such as castles, churches and other major buildings. Wrights (the Scottish term for carpenters) were also involved in erecting buildings, of all types, and making a host of other items from wood.

But, like stonemasons, there were various sub-specialisms. Examples of these include;

Sievewrights. They made a device that was used to sift rough soil into smooth, finer, granules suitable for planting crops. Something similar (but much smaller) will be found in many modern kitchens used, for example, to reduce course flour to a finer version for baking.

Shipwrights. These were also wrights (carpenters) but made things on a much larger scale than Sievewrights – they built ships, wooden ships.

Wheelwrights. As the name implies these were carpenters who made wheels for carts of various types – two, four and occasionally six wheeled carts. (see image) These were essential for the transportation of food and other material around the country. The medieval equivalent today being the ubiquitous long distance lorry drivers.

We know that there are (were) Free Wrights, Free Shipwrights and Free Masons but sadly, not a trace (currently) exists of the Free Sievewrights.