Who are the Freemasons, are there female Freemasons and how do people join a Masonic Lodge?
THE Freemasons have long been seen as a shadowy organisation — complete with secret handshakes and ancient rituals.
Few can describe who they are and what they actually do, but what little we do know is enough to spark intrigue.
Who are the Freemasons?
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest non-religious, non-political, fraternal and charitable organisations, according to the United Grand Lodge of England’s website.
There are more than 200,000 members belonging to more than 7,000 Lodges throughout England, Wales and districts overseas - with an estimated six million worldwide, according to its website.
Some high profile Masons reportedly included Winston Churchill, the Duke of Wellington, Lord Kitchener, Kings Edward VII, Edward VIII and George VI and Prince Philip.
The Freemasons’ Hall in London's Covent Gardens is the headquarters of the Grand Lodge - which is the governing body of Freemasonry in England, Wales and the Channel Islands.
What do the Freemasons believe in?
According to the United Grand Lodge of England’s website, it teaches "self-knowledge through participation in a progression of ceremonies” and “is a society of men concerned with moral and spiritual values”.
Masons call each other brothers because they believe they are all equal and work on themselves to make "good men better".
Through charitable work, they climb up the hierarchy and wear traditional regalia - which indicates the rank of the wearer in the organisation.
Who can become a member of the Freemasons?
Entry is restricted to men only - above the age of 21 "regardless of ethnic group, political views, economic standing or religion although he is expected to have a faith".
Male students who are 18 or over can join one of 55 University Lodges.
There are two Lodges for women and a co-mason Lodge which admits both men and women.
How can you become a Freemason?
The first step is to approach your local Lodge or one which shares your interests. There are over 7,000 to choose from.
Freemasons and candidates must undergo two highly secretive rites of initiation named "Heredom of Kilwinning" and "Knight Of The Rosy Cross".
There is an initiation fee on entry and in addition, an annual subscription.
For more information visit www.ugle.org.uk.
Are there female Freemasons?
Women are allowed to be Freemasons as long as they are associated with a female-only or mixed lodge.
Last year the BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme was given unique access to the secret societies of female Freemasons, who have been gathering for over 100 years.
Women conduct initiations, ceremonies and rituals like their male equivalents.
The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons sees a 'first degree' initiation involving a woman baring her 'right arm, left breast and knee' while a noose is placed around her neck.
She rises to second degree to celebrate her rise in status within the society.
The third degree is reported to be 'where you experience death to be reborn', but what this really means remains a secret.
The Order of Women Freemasons have regular meetings in lodges - or temples - around the country, and dress in white robes with regalia around their necks which reflect what place they have within the group.
Freemasons and transgender people
The society will allow women to be members but only if they joined as men.
New guidance issued by the society's governing body said: “A Freemason who after initiation ceases to be a man does not cease to be a Freemason."
Those who have transitioned from female to male can also apply.
Lodges must permit members who have transitioned to female an alternative to the usual dress codes, such as a smart dark skirt and top.
Why do Freemasons feel stigmatised?
In February 2018, Dr David Staples, Chief Executive of the United Grand Lodge of England took out newspaper ads in several papers to highlight what he called " the ongoing gross misrepresentation" of its members.
Describing the apparently hostile treatment of Freemasonry as "discrimination, he wrote: "We owe it to our membership to take this stance, they shouldn’t have to feel undeservedly stigmatised.
"No other organisation would stand for this and nor shall we."
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Dr Staples pointed to the £33million Freemasons raised for charity in 2017.
He also announced a series of open evenings an Q&A events to take place across the country in 2018, writing: "We're open".
It came amid recent critical reports into the organisation and its apparent influence on high-level politics and policing.
But Labour MP Melanie Onn questioned the stance and asked if it was possible to be discriminated against when "we don't know who they are".
Sky1's Inside the Freemasons goes behind the scenes at the secret societyncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jqecsKtfaIBzfpRva2ieopqyrq3SqKWsZaWgeq6t0qiloptdobyls8RmnZ6lkaGybrnEppmeqqNisaq%2FwqugpqGelsGqu81mq6uZnqi0prrDnqlo