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| | The Builder Magazine - August 1917 |
 | | As early as 1620, and perhaps earlier, certain members of the Mason's Company met to form a Lodge for Speculative Masonry, and this act, given by the records of the Company, concerning its "accepted members," is the earliest record of 17th century Masonry in England. |
 | | The Company of Masons of the City of London, in its early days, practiced and was acquainted with all the moral teachings of the Fraternity, and when the Monastic Gilds fell into chaos, the London Company of Masons preserved the ancient traditions of the Gild, and amongst its documents a copy of those MS. |
 | | In Oxford a Company was incorporated in 1604 called "The Company of Free Masons, Carpenters, Joiners and Slaters of the City of Oxford." In Gateshead a most curious conglomeration of trades was incorporated by a Charter of Cosin, Bishop of Durham, in 1671. |
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