Dame Masons: Women and Freemasonry

In an official history of the United Grand Lodge of England, we read: In 1921 an approach was made to Grand Lodge for recognition by the 'Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Masonry'; in a reply starting for obvious reasons 'Dear Madam' the Grand Secretary made it plain that the admission of women was utterly foreign to the original plan of Freemasonry to which English Freemasons had adhered from time immemorial. He added that the Board would continue to take disciplinary action against any English Mason who violated his Obligation by being present or assisting in assemblies 'professing to be Masonic which are attended by women'. On both counts Grand Lodge gave the Board it full support. (Stubbs, pp. 163/4)