THEY may not actually ride goats but they do have a funny handshake and occasionally wear their trouser legs rolled up.

There are six million Freemasons around the world but little is known about the secret society, whose unusual traditions stretch back to Medieval times.

5 A new five-part documentary on Sky 1 called Inside the Freemasons lifts the lid on the mysterious group Credit: Sky

For the first time ever, a new documentary has lifted the lid on the mysterious brotherhood which is celebrating its 300th anniversary this year.

It’s a common assumption that this close-knit organisation exists to take over the world, and its members cultivate their friendship for career advancement.

And judging by its well-connected members, who have included Winston Churchill, Kings Edward VII, Edward VIII and George VI, Lord Kitchener and Prince Philip, some have accused them of pulling strings in high places.

5 Rituals such as rolling their trouser legs up and baring their breasts are still part of the initiation ceremony Credit: Sky

The truth is slightly less fantastical, with the club focusing on traditional dinners, lavish ceremonies and large meetings.

Freemason Jonathan Spence, who has been part of the brotherhood since 1982 and is one of three deputies to the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England shared what the group means to him.

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He said: “Freemasonry is a secular organisation that encourages its members to become better members of their community by using ritual, and the metaphor that is used throughout is that of building and how when you built something you improve as you go through life.

“The public’s perception of us isn’t realistic at all.

“We’ve thought about confronting the myths for a long time. If we show how it really is – for example we have a masonic handshake but it’s only for ceremonial use – then people might understand us more."

5 There are six million Freemasons around the world but little is known about the secret society Credit: Sky

With roots stretching back to the medieval stonemasons, the ancient fraternity’s age-old traditions have remained unchanged over the years.

Rituals such as rolling their trouser legs up and baring their breasts are still part of the initiation ceremony, which is used to check a member is healthy.

New recruits are lead blindfolded by a Junior Deacon into the Freemason’s temple before the ceremony begins.

They will also be given a secret handshake and sign so they could prove they really belong to the group if challenged by a member.

Traditional attire of ancient Freemasons, who wore gloves and aprons in their trade, are still worn today, with aprons costing up to £1,000.

These outfits become more lavish as you rise in the ranks of the group.

5 Bedfordshire farmer James Wootton, 40, whose dad has been a member for 50 years, joins the group on the show Credit: SKY

One of the men interviewed in the documentary said: “All walks of life can be freemasons, from dustbin men through to top judges, it’s open to anybody.”

And another commented: “The lessons freemasonry are 100 per cent relevant. For as long as mankind requires morality and ethics, freemasonry has something to teach you.”

Each member has to go through three “degrees” during their time: Apprentice, Journeyman and Master.

To become a Mason you can either apply online or get a current member to recommend you.

Once inside, meetings can be held as frequently as twice a week or four times a year.

5 To become a Mason you can either apply online or get a current member to recommend you Credit: Alamy

During the five-part documentary, the show tells the story of several members of the brotherhood and follows the journey of a new member signing it.

Bedfordshire farmer James Wootton, 40, whose dad has been a member for 50 years, spoke of why he wanted to be part of the group.

He said: “I hope to meet a broader spectrum of friends, people outside of farming and people with different opinions, and to see what goes on.

“I’m excited about it because there are so many stories behind it, but we’ll see the truth, hopefully.”

In February we revealed what goes on inside Walt Disney’s secret Club 33 where members pay £20k to enjoy booze, a jazz bar and luxury apartments.

And this year a website claimed to belong to the Illuminati was uncovered.

Inside The Freemasons starts on April 17 on Sky 1.