Post by Tamrin on Jul 2, 2008 7:02:34 GMT 10
Below is an abstract of the short talk I presented at the inaugural, biennial International Conference on the History of Freemasonry, in Edinburgh last year. The full talk is posted under Featured Themes.
The presumption of female delicacy has rarely extended to working class women. Often they laboured in the most arduous jobs, such as Stonemasonry. Their work contradicts what had been virtually an article of faith among Freemasons, who insisted that the medieval building trades generally—and Stonemasonry in particular—had been restricted to men. In maintaining this opinion, Freemasons have often turned a blind eye to contrary evidence, or have dismissed each instance as being an isolated, irregular anomaly.
This paper will test that opinion by bringing together many reports of supposedly ‘anomalous’ evidence from Masonic sources and beyond. Collectively, the evidence shows the involvement of women in the medieval building trades was common. We examine the Old Charges, the neglected Certificate of the Gild of Masons at Lincoln and some of the direct evidence of the employment of women in the construction trades. While recognising what has been called a ‘stained-glass ceiling’ and other complexities, this brief talk aspires only to demonstrate the enduring existence of women in these trades.
The author shows contemporary illustrations depicting women in these trades, provides references to ‘sisters’, ‘dames,’ and to ‘she who is to be made a Mason,’ examines reports of women involved in the building trades (even an instance of them vastly outnumbering the men), compares this evidence with that contained in the 14th Century returns of English Gilds, and explores the implications of Stonemasons forming trade combinations with other artisans. He then proceeds to consider the privileged position of the wives and daughters of tradesmen and the special status of their widows. Finally, he acknowledges specific female Stonemasons, ranging from Sabina von Steinbach of 13th Century Strasburg, to Mary Banister of 18th Century London.
Women Builders (detail). Roman des Girart von Roussillon, Cod. 2549, f.167v, Flemish, 1447,
Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Vienna.
Craftswomen in the Old Charges, in Building Trades and as Stonemasons
Philip Carter, Australia
Philip Carter, Australia
The presumption of female delicacy has rarely extended to working class women. Often they laboured in the most arduous jobs, such as Stonemasonry. Their work contradicts what had been virtually an article of faith among Freemasons, who insisted that the medieval building trades generally—and Stonemasonry in particular—had been restricted to men. In maintaining this opinion, Freemasons have often turned a blind eye to contrary evidence, or have dismissed each instance as being an isolated, irregular anomaly.
This paper will test that opinion by bringing together many reports of supposedly ‘anomalous’ evidence from Masonic sources and beyond. Collectively, the evidence shows the involvement of women in the medieval building trades was common. We examine the Old Charges, the neglected Certificate of the Gild of Masons at Lincoln and some of the direct evidence of the employment of women in the construction trades. While recognising what has been called a ‘stained-glass ceiling’ and other complexities, this brief talk aspires only to demonstrate the enduring existence of women in these trades.
The author shows contemporary illustrations depicting women in these trades, provides references to ‘sisters’, ‘dames,’ and to ‘she who is to be made a Mason,’ examines reports of women involved in the building trades (even an instance of them vastly outnumbering the men), compares this evidence with that contained in the 14th Century returns of English Gilds, and explores the implications of Stonemasons forming trade combinations with other artisans. He then proceeds to consider the privileged position of the wives and daughters of tradesmen and the special status of their widows. Finally, he acknowledges specific female Stonemasons, ranging from Sabina von Steinbach of 13th Century Strasburg, to Mary Banister of 18th Century London.
Women Builders (detail). Roman des Girart von Roussillon, Cod. 2549, f.167v, Flemish, 1447,
Österreichische Nationalbibliothek, Vienna.
