In 1390, a copy of the Regius Poem, also known as the Halliwell Manuscript or the Masonic Antiquaries, was written by a FreeMason. The Regina Poem is the oldest piece of evidence of the origin of the FreeMason Fraternal Order.
In 1840, the Regius Poem was published, for the first time, as “A Poem on the Constitutions of Freemasonry”. The publication was taken from the original copy of the Regius Poem at the Kings Hall of the British Musuem.
Author’s Note:
Philip Hamilton’s Great Uncle William Henry Russell was a member of the FreeMason Fraternal Order. Philip did not know that his great uncle was a FreeMason until his passing, because at his funeral in Virginia a Masonic ritual was held.