What are the occult theories surrounding Francis Bacon?

Various writers, including some linked to Theosophy, have alleged that the English philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon belonged to secret societies. Some fringe theories even suggest he achieved the Ascension to become the Ascended Master Saint Germain. Additionally, the Baconian theory proposes that Bacon used William Shakespeare as a front to hide his authorship of the famous plays.

What we know

• Writers connected with Theosophy and other authors have claimed that Francis Bacon was a member of secret societies. [2]
• A smaller number of claimants suggest that Bacon achieved the Ascension and became the Ascended Master Saint Germain. [2]
• The Baconian theory of Shakespeare authorship contends that Francis Bacon wrote the plays attributed to William Shakespeare. [3, 4]
• Supporters of the Baconian theory argue that Shakespeare served as a front to protect Bacon's identity because writing for the public stage might have hindered his rise to high office. [3]

Where to go next

• whoWho was the Ascended Master Saint Germain?
• a case in pointWhat is the Baconian theory of Shakespeare authorship?
• the bigger pictureHow did Francis Bacon contribute to the scientific revolution?
• how we knowWhat evidence do anti-Stratfordians use to question Shakespeare?
• an unexpected connectionWhat role did Theosophy play in esoteric modern histories?

Sources

• [1]Occult theories about Francis Bacon (Wikidata Q7075737) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Occult theories about Francis Bacon · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Baconian theory of Shakespeare authorship · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Francis Bacon · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Shakespeare authorship question · CC BY-SA 4.0