Identity area
Reference code
2022.65
Title
Masonic Cape
Date(s)
- undated [1930-1939] (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Cream mantle with a hood lined in red silk, featuring a long red cord stitched into the neck that extends down to the waist, ending in large tassels. A large badge denoting the rank of Provincial Standard Bearer (Beauceant) is affixed to the upper left side, over a red double cross constructed from stitched red tape. The text "NORTHS, HUNTS & BEDS" is embroidered in gold thread around the perimeter.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Label: Masonic Manufrs / Estd 1801 / Spencer & Co / 1920 & 21 / GT. Queen St / London W.C.
Materials: Wool; Silk
Measurements:145cm [Length]
Details: Hood; tassels
Physical Condition: Some age related wear and tear
Materials: Wool; Silk
Measurements:145cm [Length]
Details: Hood; tassels
Physical Condition: Some age related wear and tear
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
One of the oldest secular organisations, Freemasonry’s roots lie in the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who would use secret words and symbols to recognise each others’ legitimacy and so protect their work from outsiders. The first grand lodge, established to govern Freemasonry in England and Wales, was formed in 1717, during a meeting at a pub in the City of London called the Goose and Gridiron. At that time there were four lodges in the city. But in Scotland, a masonic lodge in Edinburgh has records to show that it has been in existence since at least 1599. [The Guardian; 4 Feb 2018].
Note
From Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive:
Spencer & Co.
1930s
This white mantle forms part of the regalia for the order of the Knights Templar for the Provincial Priory of Northampton, Huntingdon & Bedford which was formed in 1925 under charter from Great Priory of England and Wales. The mantle has a hood that is lined with red silk and a long red cord that is stitched into the neck and hangs down to the waist with a large tassel at each end. A large mantle badge shows the rank of Provincial Standard Bearer (Beauceant) and is attached to a large red double cross constructed from red tape that is stitched onto the upper left side. NORTHS, HUNTS & BEDS is embroidered in gold thread around the exterior.
Cotton
Archive no. 2022.65