Q. The eternal Question, what are the real origins of Freemasonry?

A. Well Brethren, I certainly do not have the full and definitive answer, but in consideration, I believe there are 3 main areas within which discussion, research and debate provide what are “probably” the main answers, but there are no doubt more:-
My own thoughts surround the following;
1, The old skills and trade operatives based upon Stonemasons and Tradespersons and their form of groups or Lodges, travelling the Country building the Churches, Monuments, Cathedrals etc in that golden age of Building following the Norman Conquest. During and within which they instituted various signs or tokens of recognition to prevent the unqualified from securing engagement and possibly ruining their established reputations within their respective groups or Lodges. This as the main trade of Stonemasons declined, evolved to become a more Speculative gathering, using some of the recognitions etc and incorporating moral and social discussion, and the study and modes of actions in life;
Probably the fore runner for Freemasonry, but can also be linked to the following;
2, That it arose in conjunction with the former but linked to the Guilds and Liveries in the City of London, who whilst individually Business related, had Wardens at their head and strict rules and direction for members;
3, and an interesting idea, that it arose or had links from the East, spreading to the West via the rising existence of the Knights Templar groups as a whole in their many factions from Warrier to Bankers and Religious to Builder auspices from around 1100AD.
Much speculation exists re the early 9 templars travelling to the then Holy Land and purportedly digging at the site of the Temple for 7 years and amassing vast power and wealth in doing so, perhaps linked to what, if anything they uncovered. That power giving them a massive control for several 100 years over the Pope and Holy Roman Church and most of the Sovereigns of Europe, including England.
It is very interesting to note, that apparently before journeying to the Holy Land, these 9 Knights met often, but not in Temples, but in their respective houses or lodgings and became known to their neighbours and the surrounding populous as the “House Brothers”. Interestingly this phrase translates in the Gallic language of the time to “Frere Maison”.
In my French Lodge “Le Touquet No.89” we are addressed as Mon Frere, or Brother in English and Maison is the French for House, hence not much of a jump to FREEMASON and in the move from operative, perhaps the word Free was felt a better and more acceptable term than “SPECULATIVE”.
Good food for thought Brethren.
Ken