An Introduction to the Commemorative Masonic Order of St Thomas of Acon

Thirty-five years ago a Masonic researcher working in the Guildhall in London came across the records of an obscure Military Order formed during the 3rd Crusade, which adopted St. Thomas à Becket as its Patron Saint. Although never large, it eventually became important to the people of London but was one of the casualties and disappeared during the Dissolution of the Monasteries ordered by King Henry VIII. Impressed by its entirely-English character and the laudable reasons for its foundation, he described it to a handful of masonic friends who thought it worth 'reviving' and did so on a limited basis in a private house in Blackheath. In 1998 it was decided to open its membership beyond the limit imposed by their cramped meeting place. This book is an account of what happened after that decision was taken.