The Sixteenth Century brought a gradual change in social circumstances as it did in every branch of life. During the Seventeenth Century the status and reputation of the Craft Guilds had increased to such an extent that it became increasingly common for leading citizens of the town to be invited to become Honourary Members. Such people were not Stone Masons, and often had no connection whatsoever with the Crafts or the Guilds. They were known as Speculative Masons and as their numbers grew, and as matters to do with the education and qualification of craftsmen were formalised and controlled at a National level, so the structure of the groups of craftsmen changed from persons solely concerned with the Craft or Guilds of Stone Masonry to groups comprised exclusively of these Free or Accepted Masons.
These Masons used the implements and materials of their operative predecessors to teach the great moral truths in allegorical fashion based on the building of the temple at Jerusalem by King Solomon, as described in the Old Testament.
Freemasons met together in groups called Lodges, the name being taken from the temporary lean-to structures that leaned against the walls of cathedrals and castles under construction while the buildings were being completed.
At the same time a National Structure grew up for controlling these Lodges which was called The Grand Lodge. These usually included the additional title of "Free and Accepted Masons". All Regular Grand Lodges in the world are lineal descendants of what are known as the Mother Grand Lodges of England, Ireland and Scotland. All three Grand Lodges were established by the early Eighteenth Century.