How long have masons been around?

Masonry, as a formal organization, has roots dating back to the late 16th to early 17th century in Europe, particularly with the establishment of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717. However, its origins can be traced back to medieval stonemason guilds, which existed as early as the 12th century. These guilds evolved over time, eventually leading to the development of speculative masonry, which focuses on moral and philosophical teachings rather than just the craft of stonemasonry.