Freemasonry in the 1600s and 1700s by W J Hughan

Bro. W.J. Hughan in his paper “Freemasonry in the early 1600 and 1700s” originally published in 1906, makes mention at the end of his paper of two northern operative pre Grand Lodges in existence during this period: the Alnwick Lodge and the Swalwell Lodge. 

The old operative Lodge at Swalwell, in its early records, had much in common with its senior one Alnwick, its “Orders of Antiquity” and its “Apprentice and General Orders” bing virtually reproductions of still earlier “Old Charges.”  The three “fraternal signs” are mentioned and the minutes generally from the third decade of the 18th century are of considrable value and interest.  The members accepted a Charter from the Grand Lodge of England in 1735, being now, and for a long time past, known as the Lodge of Industry No. 48 Gateshead.  It was thus another link in the union between Grand Lodge and its operative ancestors.

The complete paper can be found HERE