Stone Masonry.

In the process of researching this article numerous sites of interest were visited.

Those included in this article are briefly described below.

Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, created by the St Clair family, is mentioned in several popular books. The connection with Freemasonry is attributed to a number of factors.

Hugue de Payen, leader of the Knight Templars between 1118 and 1136 is said to have been married to Katherine St Clair. After their persecution the Templars supposedly fled France to Scotland. Two members of the St Clair family are said to have been members of the mysterious Priore de Sion in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. This organisation is said to be a fore runner of Freemasonry. Various family members are also said to have had strong and prominent links with Scottish Freemasonry.

The Belial building displays an obvious Satanic theme. Its connection with Freemasonry is through the poet Robert Burns. The mechanism and message of the carvings is consistent with other sites visited.

London Monument displays a clear anti Catholic message and a little bit more besides. The theme upon the relief is consistent with the theme of the article. In addition the artist Cibber has other works, most notably melancholy and raving madness. This also fitted one of the themes of the article and the connection with the Egyptian darkness. Its connection with Freemasonry or the ‘ancient fraternity’ is through Christopher Wren whom Freemasonry attempts to adopt and also the story of the fire itself.

Other sites will not be included simply because there are many. The above illustrations have been used because they are dramatic.