Baldwin's of St. James's
Auction 37 25 Sep 2019
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Fraternal Society: The Gregorians, a magnificent richly gilt-silver Prelate's Badge of Office, c.1780s, a figure seated by a pyramid with scroll and globe, offers a sword to three members, the background a rising sun with zodiacal signs from Scorpio, Libra, Leo, Taurus and Virgo on band above, FUIMUS below, highly ornate floral and acanthus leaf border, rev. coat of arms with dragon and eagle supporters, motto around, CENSEMUR SANGUINE LONGO, 127 x 90mm., large swivel suspender with wide blue sash attached, without hallmarks, extremely fine and extremely rare
The Gregorians were a fraternal organisation that grew up in parallel with Freemasonry in the 18th century. They were depicted by Hogarth as 'the Merry Gregs'. However, they were the victims of the Unlawful Oaths Act of 1797, introduced by a Government in fear of revolutionary groups that might overthrow the monarchy. This act, and the unlawful Societies Act of 1799, outlawed societies that administered oaths. It also outlawed any organisations that held closed meetings and were organised into branches with national committees. The well-connected Freemasons managed to get exemption but the Gregorians who subscribed £80 17s towards 'the support of Government' in 1798, had no such luck and by the early 19th century they were no longer meeting.
(500-800 GBP)
The Gregorians were a fraternal organisation that grew up in parallel with Freemasonry in the 18th century. They were depicted by Hogarth as 'the Merry Gregs'. However, they were the victims of the Unlawful Oaths Act of 1797, introduced by a Government in fear of revolutionary groups that might overthrow the monarchy. This act, and the unlawful Societies Act of 1799, outlawed societies that administered oaths. It also outlawed any organisations that held closed meetings and were organised into branches with national committees. The well-connected Freemasons managed to get exemption but the Gregorians who subscribed £80 17s towards 'the support of Government' in 1798, had no such luck and by the early 19th century they were no longer meeting.
(500-800 GBP)