The Masonic Order of Athelstan in England, Wales and its Provinces Overseas

The Order is based on the historic records of the life and the legend of King Athelstan, the grandson of King Alfred the Great (known for his defense against the Viking invaders), Athelstan is historically known for his success in securing the submission of Constantine II, King of Scots, at the Treaty of Eamont Bridge in 927 AD through to the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 AD, which led to his claiming the title “King of all Britain”. While overlooked by his grandfather, it is important to point out that Athelstan was the first King of a unified England from 927 AD. He reigned between 925 and 939 and was a distinguished and courageous soldier who pushed the boundaries of the kingdom further than anyone had done before.

The focus of the Order is to show how this early reference to the importance of Masonry in English history was significant for the development of speculative Freemasonry. The Masonic Order of Athelstan portrays the story of a Master Mason being called to York in 926 AD to receive the Ancient Charges from the king. Throughout its ceremony the ritual contains a great deal of symbolism that is still seen in some Lodges today and a great deal that is not currently worked.

The Order, in England and Wales, is structured so that its Provinces, wherever possible, reflect and represent the original Kingdoms and Gilds (original spelling of Guilds) as they were set up by King Athelstan during his reign as “The First King of all the English”.

In the Province of Spain there are currently six Courts consecrated:

Court of St. Andrew No. 83
Court of Castillo de Rouqemont No. 119
La Corte del Glorioso No. 135
Corte De Alfonso “El Sabio” No. 136
Court of Castillo de Montesa  No. 168
Court of Catalina de Aragon No. 171

The aim of the Masonic Order of Athelstan is to encourage and prompt its members into actual further study and research. As such each Candidate is carefully chosen due to their interest in Masonic history and is ‘Instructed’ into our Order.

Membership of the Order is strictly invitational and members are expected to take a wide and committed interest in all aspects of Freemasonry, there are therefore mandatory requirements for each member to have current, active and ongoing membership of both Craft and Royal Arch Chapter Masonry.