The Airlie MS 1705

This lecture overlaps with The Oldest Masonic Ritual in the World. However, unlike that lecture, this paper examines one specific document in considerable depth. The Airlie MS is most unusual in that it is the only pre-Grand Lodge ritual which is known to have been in the possession of a particular family. This is important as it reveals a previously unknown dimension of Scottish aristocratic involvement with Scottish Freemasonry.

This lecture, whilst briefly discussing the MS in relation to other, earlier, Masonic documents, the main focus will be on the document itself, its’ purpose and how it was used.

The meaning(s) of the principal words and phrases will be examined in detail. The author will provide a transcript of the MS in order that those present might, more easily, follow the discussion.