Mere Freemasonry

Before it was the Grand Lodge of England, the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster was founded on this date in 1717.  Four London lodges met at the Goose and Gridiron Ale-house in St. Paul’s Church-yard for a joint dinner. These first Lodges were made up of three operative Lodges (the Goose and Gridiron, the Crown, and Covenant Garden)  and a single speculative Lodge (Rummer and Grapes). At the time, Lodges were generally named after the locations they met at, and most Lodges met in ale houses.  Hence the colorful names.

The newly formed Lodge became known as the Grand Lodge of London and Westminster, led by Grand Master Anthony Sayer.