The thesis of the speaker will investigate the complex and often covert relationships between three distinct, yet influential institutions – triad societies, Freemasonry, and the colonial police force – during the British colonial period in Hong Kong (1841-1997). By taking brotherhood as its overarching lens, this paper will explore how these groups functioned as parallel systems of loyalty, secrecy, and power within the colonial framework, operating at the intersection of legal and illegal authority. The research will trace the historical evolution of triads from their origins in mutual aid societies to their entrenchment in Hong Kong’s urban underworld, analysing their dual role as both criminal enterprises and informal governance structures. Concurrently, it will investigate the role of Freemasonry within the colonial elite, with a specific focus on its influence on police culture, career advancement, and institutional cohesion.
A central line of enquiry will be to analyse how Freemasonry and triads, despite their profound legal and cultural differences, utilised shared symbolic frameworks – including rituals, cosmologies, and codes of brotherhood – and how these frameworks shaped their interactions with each other and the colonial state. This research will aim to reveal how these informal networks of trust – whether fraternal or criminal – both supported and undermined colonial authority. Methodologically, this study will draw upon archival research in colonial police and government records, analysis of available Masonic materials, oral history interviews, where feasible, and a comparative analysis of the groups’ rituals and symbolic practices. By situating these relationships within broader questions of brotherhood, secrecy, legitimacy, and urban control, this thesis aims to contribute to the historiography of colonial governance, legal history, and the sociology of secret societies.
This paper outlines the current literature, intended scope, methods, and anticipated contributions of research that is currently in its early stages.
(Source: abstract from Toby’s PhD research paper)
The Speaker
Toby Bull has a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts Valuation, as well as a MSc in Risk, Crisis, and Disaster Management and a postgraduate certificate in art authentication.
Toby has extensive knowledge in forensic art authentication methods and the more theoretical and academic studies surrounding art fraud. Toby has received specialist training in the prevention of illicit trafficking of artworks and cultural heritage protection from the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), as well as in provenance research and the recovery of looted assets from The Holocaust Art Restitution Project (HARP). He is multi-published in this field and has lectured to industry and academia around the world.
From 1993 to 2025, Toby served in the Hong Kong Police Force. He is a Freeman of two City of London Livery Companies; the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, and the Worshipful Company of Arts Scholars and holds the Freedom of the City of London. In September 2025, Toby joined CUHK’s Faculty of Law as a Doctoral Candidate.
PROGRAMME
Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
(Reception starts at 6:30 pm)
Venue: Café 8, Roof, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Pier 8, Central
Admission: $175 for members, $220 for guests /non-members
(Light refreshments are included in the admission fee)
Registration: Please email <membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk> and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration. Please kindly complete your registration by advance payment via Stripe's payment links below (using your Credit Card):
Members ($175):
https://buy.stripe.com/8x2dRaf3S0NW4CLc8h5EY3q
Non-member / Guest ($220):
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Details about the other payment option will be sent on registration. Upon receipt of payment, your registration will be confirmed by email. Registration will be closed at 12 noon on 27 August 2026.