| The banner which adorns almost every English Constitution Lodge today became popular during the middle to second half of the 18th Century, originating from a simple means of identification dating back thousands of years. An easily recognised symbol was used as a rallying point in time of battle or to identify the location of the group within the camp. The Assyrians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all fought under their respective banners and even today, the Colours so revered by every army battalion are items of great pride and lifelong honour. |
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When one visits a cathedral in England or even a local church, we frequently find a flag or Regimental Colours, of great antiquity, displayed with great pomp and pride.
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| Some such easily recognised symbols within Freemasonry are of course the Roman
Eagle and the standards used in the Royal Arch. Moving on to more recent times
but still within Freemasonry are the banners used in Knights Templar, two
colours only are used in this case.
The introduction shortly thereafter of individual recognition colours or coats
of arms was brought about by the all enveloping suits of armour and the need to
recognize ones own side or leader in the heat of battle. As more and more
knights adopted this form of easy recognition disputes arose when the designs
clashed and precedent was disputed.
From these disputes originated official heraldry, and the proper methods used in
the granting, design and application of Arms, was established in 1484 by the
foundation of the College of Arms in London. It still exists to this day and is
the sole arbitrator of Arms granted in England and Northern Ireland.
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What is a Banner?
Boutell in his book 'Heraldry' states it is a square or oblong Armorial flag hung by one of its sides. As it has its foundation in battle, we can safely say it is:
The flag showing the armorial bearing of someone of importance or the badge of honour of some place or group deemed worthy of such distinction.
For example: The coat of
arms of HRH Prince William of Wales. Follow the link to gain a full
explanation of the arms of Prince William. |
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This may seem a bit over the top for a Masonic lodge, but is it really? We all wish to identify with something or someone, it is human nature to do so, at Provincial or District Grand Lodge meetings, does not the PGM (DGM) ask "how do you find the Lodges"
with the reply, "ranged under their respective Banners".
So it is obviously accepted by the rulers of the Craft. By rights it should have a distinguishing feature so that it is easily recognised by members and everyone else. While simplicity is to be commended, to tell the full story we often need more than a just a square and compass to get the full message across.
It is for this reason that the Lodgebanners web site grew, from the curious
story behind some of the ornate banners we see at our meetings.
Expanded and adapted from a short address prepared by EF Mullan PAGDC
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