Among the many tools of operative masonry still in use today is the humble lewis.  It is a rather ingenious device employed by operative Masons to raise heavy blocks of dressed stone into place.  It consists of three, typically metal (these days) parts: two wedge-shaped side pieces, and a straight center piece, that fit together (tenon). A dovetailed recess (mortise) is cut into the top of the stone block.  The two outer pieces are inserted first and then spread by the insertion of the centerpiece.  The three parts are then bolted together, a metal ring or shackle is attached, and the block is hoisted by hook, rope and pulley.

By these means the block is gripped securely.  Once set in its place in the structure, the lewis is removed, leaving the upper surface smooth with no clamp or chains on the outside to interfere with the laying of the next course.  In the uppermost course, a carved stone matching the indenture is inserted.  The tool is believed to have existed since at least the Roman era, with stones with the mortised cavity for the insertion of a lewis having been found in parts of Hadrian’s Wall, circa 121-127 C.E.

According to the Perseus Digital Library at Tufts University, the term “lewis,” may come from the Latin, “levo,” “levoavi,” or “levatum,” meaning to levitate or lift.  Although sources like the Oxford English Dictionary indicates this may not be true, stating the origin of the word as “obscure,” and potentially derived from a personal name.  However, what is clear is that the Romans called the hole in the stone itself a, “lewis hole.”

In speculative Masonry, the term “Lewis” is used to describe a Freemason’s son, who has not yet been initiated.