Essex Freemasons have welcomed a new five part observational documentary series on Sky 1 which focuses on the previously unseen world of Freemasonry – starting on Monday 17 April at 8pm. Exclusive and unprecedented access was granted to film inside one of the world’s oldest and most intriguing membership organisations as part of its 300th anniversary in 2017.
Local Freemasons including the Provincial Grand Master for Essex Rodney Bass feature in this highly-anticipated programme entitled Inside The Freemasons. It promises to go beyond the myth and legend to explore the real people, practices and inner-workings of the well-known, but little-understood, ancient fraternal order with roots stretching back to the medieval stone masons. From the regalia to the grand ceremonies, ancient rituals and the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood, viewers will discover what it really means to be a modern-day Freemason.
Rodney Bass added: “In our Tercentenary year it is fitting that we mark this favourable occasion by very openly sharing a look at who we are, what we do and what we stand for. We hope the programme will help inform, educate and even surprise, providing a genuine insight and understanding into Freemasonry and Freemasons today.”
“We have more than 9000 Freemasons in Essex, some of whom are seen in the five part series and who are very much part of our local community and we look forward to showing everyone in our County what we do and stand for and why.”
Filmed and produced by independent production company Emporium for Sky 1, this series is the first time such extensive access and filming has been permitted inside the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE). Viewers will be given never-before-seen insights into the world of Freemasons, their practices, values, history and modern lodge life.
Filmed across several months in 2016, the documentary follows individual Freemasons from Entered Apprentices to Rulers, exploring the history, symbolism and the modern relevance of the organisation, including its role as one of the biggest charitable contributors in the UK.
While the vast majority of viewers are familiar with the concept of Freemasonry, few can describe who Freemasons are and what they do with any confidence or accuracy. What has motivated generations of men to join its ranks? Why is it important to form bonds that transcend religion, politics or social status? What does Freemasonry stand for? What do Freemasons do? What does the symbolism and allegory mean? How does public perception differ to reality? And what does Freemasonry have to offer society today?
Across the five episodes, we follow ordinary Masons from around the country, as they learn and rehearse their ritual and the moral lessons it contains, raise money for charity and enjoy the camaraderie they say comes with being a member of the Brotherhood, to paint a comprehensive, Masons-eye-view of life Inside The Freemasons.
