“Wherever Dispersed” - The Travelling Mason in the Nineteenth Century

Résumé 0

This article addresses the general question, ‘Why did men become, and remain, freemasons during the Nineteenth century?’ It identifies a wide range of motivations, influencing different men, in different places, at different times. However, it draws particular attention to the significance of the support and re-assurance aspects of membership that were given to members during times of insecurity and adversity, as well as the potential for economic and social networking. These aspects were of significance for all classes and occupations but appear to have had particular appeal to those in mobile trades and those undertaking long distance migration or emigration. These issues are explored by a focus on two particularly mobile occupational groups - mariners and miners. Evidence is presented to show that very large numbers in these occupations became masons predominantly to seek informal ‘insurance’ while travelling and to exploit networking opportunities en route and at final destination.