This was a brave move by UGLE and in this age of instant gratification, will most likely illicit the "boring" response. But the more curious seeker may find that there's a philosophical journey to be had there, amidst the mirth and fellowship of a few good men. Hint - avoid the boring ones only interested in rank and title, and seek out the characters such as the Widows Son's bikers and the master of the new Football Lodge.
Anyone can join - but you have to ask first. That is the first stage of your journey. Wake up, do some work! Not everything can be bought or Googled. I think the reason UGLE left out the history and more esoteric side, is because these are personal interpretations that each Mason will discover along the way. Believe it or not, there is no definitive answer on the origins of the Craft.
My own historical version goes something like this.... On the immortality of the soul, Pythagorus and Thales were the first philosophers to move away from mysticism and towards abstract reasoning supported by facts, and sometimes illustrated by number. Masonry requires a belief in a Supreme Being (typically inferring immortality of the soul), but it also demands we learn about the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science. Hence it could be considered an early form of Science & Spirit. Furthermore, it is fiercely supportive of free will and independence. Later on, the Templars were behind Magna Carta, and after their excommunication they supported Robert de Brus in the Declaration of Arboath.
Much later on, the early Scottish Freemasons such as Robert Moray were instrumental in forming the Royal College (of science). Alchemy had become chemistry, conjuring had become mathematics, and astrology had become astronomy. Rosicrucianism ran with the hermetic side and the Illuminati ran with the pure science side. Both died out fairly quickly yet they live on in the minds of many dreamers and conspiracy theorists. Freemasonry chose the middle ground and thrived as the landed gentry, with time on their hands, could combine traditional club atmosphere with philosophical inquiry.
Much later on, American Independence (via the Templar's philosophical successor, the Freemasons) was modelled on the same spirit of egalite, fraternite and liberte. Indeed, Washington, Franklin and later Teddy Roosevelt are all descended from the same Templar ancestors as HM The Queen, Duke of Lancaster.
Unfortunately, like many ancient institutions, Freemasonry has become tired and over-run by those only interested in title and rank, with almost no interesting skid marks in their personal driveways. It still carries a lot of very respected tradition, especially from its early military days as a colonial force. And for those interested in more than the fellowship, social and charitable aspects, one can still discover some secrets, realising that of course the journey is a personal one.
Masonry is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. As the experience is so personal, showing everything upfront would ruin it completely. Once again, any man (or woman) so interested will wake up and do the work, only realising later the subtle improvements in character and self-confidence. Audi, Vide, Tace.... Hear everything, see everything, and yet remain silent.
