Source: “Rosslyn: The Story Behind Rosslyn Chapel” By Andrew Sinclair, 2005
Woe To The Jacobites The Radical Lodges.wav
This podcast traces the history of the Jacobite cause in Scotland and its surprising connection to the development of Freemasonry, particularly the Ancient Scottish Rite. It details key battles and rebellions, like the Battle of Worcester and the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion, highlighting the persistent loyalty of certain families, such as the Sinclairs of Rosslyn, to the Stewart monarchy despite facing ruin. The text then explores how the exiled Jacobites in France contributed to the revival of the Knights Templars within Masonic lodges, ultimately influencing both the American and French Revolutions through the spread of ideals like liberty and equality, often through the organized structure of these secret societies.
Topic 1: The Jacobite Rebellions and Their Failure The source extensively details several attempts by Royalist and later Jacobite forces to restore the Stewart monarchy, particularly after the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution. Early efforts, such as King Charles II's invasion of Cumbria, were hampered by lack of men, supplies, and cavalry, ultimately leading to crushing defeat at Worcester against Cromwell's superior forces. The source highlights the desperation felt by commanders like William, Duke of Hamilton, who saw little choice but to fight or lose everything. Later Jacobite risings, such as the one in 1715 led by the Earl of Mar, also suffered from disorganization, lack of proper weaponry, and poor strategy, despite initial gains in Scotland. The 1745 rising, led by the Young Pretender Prince Charles Edward Stewart, saw some initial success, including a victory at Prestonpans, but ultimately failed due to lack of popular support outside certain areas like the Highlands, inadequate recruitment in England, and the convergence of multiple Hanoverian armies, culminating in the final, decisive defeat at Culloden. The source emphasizes that lack of arms and disorganization were persistent problems for the Jacobite forces throughout these attempts.
Topic 2: The Role and Decline of the Sinclair Family of Rosslyn The Sinclair family of Rosslyn is presented as a notable example of aristocratic loyalty to the Stewart cause and the heavy price paid for it. The source recounts how previous Lairds of Roslin had supported figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, leading to the forfeiture of ancestral lands, although these were later restored. The family's fortunes declined significantly due to their debts and further losses incurred fighting for the Royalist cause during Cromwell's time. The father of the Master of Sinclair, for example, was the only Scot to protest publicly against William of Orange's claim to the throne, suffering severe financial hardship as a result. Despite this loyalty and sacrifice, the family experienced royal ingratitude. James Sinclair, the father of the "last Roslin," was devoted to building and was described as addicted to priests, which spoiled his fortune. His widow had to beg the Catholic King and Queen for mercy, and while her son James became a Page of Honour and fought for King James at the Battle of the Boyne (where he died), her petition for financial help was denied. The family's estate dwindled to just the Barony of Roslin due to debts. This loyalty continued into the Jacobite risings, although the family paid a heavy price, ultimately losing control of their castle and chapel.
Topic 3: Key Military Conflicts and Their Outcomes The source describes several significant military engagements of the period. The Battle of Worcester marked the final Royalist defeat by Cromwell's forces, despite a hard fight, due to being heavily outnumbered. The Pentland Rising saw Covenanters defeated near Edinburgh, followed by brutal repression. The Glorious Revolution in Scotland saw Viscount Dundee defeat William of Orange's army at Killiecrankie, only for the victorious Jacobites to be routed by Covenanters at Dunkeld shortly after. The Battle of the Boyne in Ireland was a larger, international, and overtly religious conflict, resulting in a Protestant victory and lasting influence. In the 1715 rising, the Battle of Sheriffmuir was indecisive, with both sides claiming victory and ultimately retreating. The 1745 rising included the Jacobite victory at Prestonpans, where Highlanders effectively routed English troops, but concluded with the catastrophic defeat at Culloden, where well-equipped and organized Hanoverian forces decimated the Jacobite army. These battles shaped the political and religious landscape of Britain and Ireland.
Topic 4: Consequences of Defeat and Repression The source highlights the severe consequences faced by opponents of the ruling powers after their defeats. Following the Pentland Rising, Covenanter survivors were tortured, hanged, or transported to Barbados as slaves. After the final Jacobite defeat at Culloden, the Duke of Cumberland implemented a policy of terror and scorched earth in the Highlands, ordering troops to destroy property, cattle, and burn the homes of chiefs who supported the rebellion. No quarter was shown to rebels, and military execution was authorized. This was followed by Disarming Acts, forcing Highlanders to surrender weapons, and prohibiting the wearing of traditional Highland dress, seen as a Jacobite uniform. There were even proposals to transport entire clans to the American colonies to prevent further rebellion. This systematic repression aimed to destroy the old clan system and quell the Highlands permanently, referred to as "pacification" by the authorities and "ethnic cleansing" in the source.
Topic 5: The Connection Between Freemasonry and the Knights Templars A central theme is the assertion that modern Freemasonry inherited practices and ideals from the dissolved Knights Templars. The source suggests that the apparent destruction of the Templars led to the passing of many of their practices into the ancient Scottish Rite of emerging Masonic Lodges. The revival of a military order by the tutor of the Young Pretender is mentioned in connection with this Templar lineage. Rituals like the Royal Arch or Royal Ark Mariner degrees are noted as having Templar connotations. The source explicitly states that for Nicolas de Bonneville, a chronicler of the French Revolution, the secret of Freemasons was explained by the history of the Knights Templars. Templar symbols and history, such as the names Jachin, Boaz, and Mac-Benac (linked to Jacques de Molay and Aumont), the white apron and black gloves (colors of Cistercian monks and Templars), and the ceremony of venerating a skeleton image (skull representing St John the Baptist), are discussed as being adopted by Freemasonry.
Topic 6: Jacobite Influence on European Freemasonry The source describes how Jacobite exiles, particularly in France and Ireland, played a significant role in the development and spread of certain forms of Freemasonry. The flight of Jacobites to France after the 1715 defeat is linked to a revival of the Templars there. Andrew Michael, the Chevalier de Ramsay, tutor to the Old Pretender's sons, is highlighted as a key figure. Ramsay revived the Military Order of the Scottish Knights Templars and became Grand Master of its Grand Lodge in Paris. In a famous speech, he linked Freemasonry to crusading princes and knights who sought to restore the Temple, lamenting how religious discords had caused the order to degenerate but calling for a return to its original institution. He also alluded to a high degree of knightly priests and princes. This Jacobite connection was maintained in northern Europe, with figures like Baron von Hundt, a Protestant, reviving the Ancient Order of the Temple in Germany after the defeat at Culloden, and attracting German princes to the order.
Topic 7: Freemasonry's Role in the American Revolution The source argues that the American Revolution was also inspired by the ancient Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. While English Lodges were seen as offering limited degrees and coming under Hanoverian control, the Grand Lodge of Ireland provided higher chivalric degrees attractive to colonial military officers. The St Andrew's Lodge in Boston, instituted by the Grand Lodge of Scotland, was significant, being the first to institute a Knights Templars degree in North America and having prominent members like Paul Revere and John Hancock who were involved in revolutionary actions like the "Boston Massacre" riot and the "Tea Party." Key figures of the Revolution, including General George Washington (commander of the army), Benjamin Franklin (ambassador and intellectual), and the Marquis de Lafayette, were leading Freemasons. The officer corps was organized from Masonic Lodges. Arthur St Clair, descended from the Lords of Rosslyn, served as a major-general in the Continental Army and later as President of the last Continental Congress and Governor of the Northwestern Territories, suffering financial ruin like his ancestors from serving the state. Freemasons like Franklin also helped draft the Declaration of Independence, advocating for liberty, equality, and the rights of man.
Topic 8: Freemasonry's Influence on the French Revolution The source connects Freemasonry, particularly influenced by the Illuminati, to the ideals and events of the French Revolution. Figures like the Chevalier de Ramsay promoted the illumination of the mind towards universal truth, important for the revived Templars, though he exempted theology and politics from study, unlike the authors of the Encyclopédie. The Encyclopédie, an inspiration for the French Revolution, was seen as an opposition to the Bourbon dynasty by Freemasons. Leading radicals in the Constituent Assembly, including D'Alembert, Diderot, Voltaire, Condorcet, Lafayette, Mirabeau, Danton, Desmoulins, Marat, and Robespierre, were informed by Illuminati beliefs in social revolution. The Illuminati, founded by Adam Weishaupt, drew on methods from various groups like the Gnostics, Templars, Jesuits, and Freemasons, aiming to abolish royalty, serfdom, and unjust taxation while promoting liberty and tolerance. Freemasonry is credited with giving humanity the Declaration of the Rights of Man, with leading figures like Lafayette, Condorcet, and Mirabeau being prominent Masons involved in its creation and the Constituent Assembly, although the source notes the Declaration was primarily influenced by Tom Paine and Condorcet. The organizational techniques of conspiracy, cells, and lodges are described as being used by these revolutionary groups, leading to internecine struggle and the Reign of Terror.
Topic 9: The Surrender of the Hereditary Grand Mastership by William St Clair A pivotal event in the history of Scottish Freemasonry was the voluntary surrender of the hereditary right to preside over the crafts and guilds by William St Clair of Rosslyn, referred to as the "last Roslin." The source explains that his ancestors, dating back to the 13th century, were believed to have held this hereditary position as Patrons, Protectors, Judges, or Masters of the Masons in Scotland, granted by Kings of Scotland and through deeds from the Masons. This right was linked to the original Kilwinning Lodge. In 1736, with the formation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, William St Clair recognized that claiming this ancient jurisdiction might be prejudicial to the Craft. Desiring to advance the good of Masonry, he formally renounced all hereditary rights for himself and his heirs in favor of an elected Grand Master. This act allowed him to become the first elected Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland by a unanimous vote, acknowledging the ancient traditions while moving towards a new constitutional structure for the organization. Like his ancestors, he suffered financial ruin due to his support for the Stewart cause.
Topic 10: The Legacy of the Knights Templars and Masonic Symbols The source suggests that the legacy of the Knights Templars persisted not only through Freemasonry but also in various symbols and ideas. The St Clairs of Rosslyn are presented as having preserved the mysteries of the Templars and the faith of the Middle Ages. Beyond rituals and organizational structures mentioned in Topic 5, Templar and Masonic symbols were even incorporated into the design and symbolism of the new American Republic. The design of the capital, Washington D.C., with its eight-pointed emblem (a Templar symbol of resurrection) within a circle, is cited as being influenced by the sacred architecture of the Templars, ordered by President George Washington. The cornerstone of the Capitol was laid by Washington with Masonic ceremony. Templar and Masonic symbols were also stamped on early American currency, such as the eye in the triangle and the unfinished pyramid on the dollar bill, symbols interpreted as reflecting Templar/Masonic ideas of apocalyptic visions, ongoing progress towards human wisdom, and the millennial hope of building a better society or heaven on earth.