In 1799, English Freemasonry almost came to a halt due to Parliamentary proclamation. In the wake of the French Revolution, the Unlawful Societies Act 1799 banned any meetings of groups that required their members to take an oath or obligation. The Grand Masters of both the Moderns and the Antients Grand Lodges called on Prime Minister William Pitt (who was not a Freemason) and explained to him that Freemasonry was a supporter of the law and lawfully constituted authority and was much involved in charitable work. As a result, Freemasonry was specifically exempted from the terms of the Act, provided that each private lodge's Secretary placed with the local "Clerk of the Peace" a list of the members of his lodge once a year. This continued until 1967 when the obligation of the provision was rescinded by Parliament. COUNT 10
QSN1 What put English Freemasonry at risk? ANS1 Parliamentary proclamation QSN2 What did the Unlawful Socities Act ban? ANS2 meetings of groups that required their members to take an oath or obligation QSN3 When was the Unlawful Socities Act implemented? ANS3 1799 QSN4 What was each private lodge required to provide to the Clerk of Peace every year? ANS4 a list of the members of his lodge QSN5 Who did the Grand Masters call upon to explain that Freemasonry was not an unlawful society? ANS5 Prime Minister William Pitt QSN6 English Freemasonry almost came to a halt in what year? ANS6 1799 QSN7 Why did English Freemasonry almost come to a halt in 1799? ANS7 Parliamentary proclamation QSN8 What act was made in 1799 banning any meeting of groups that had to take an oath or obligation? ANS8 the Unlawful Societies Act 1799 QSN9 Who gave the Freemasons an exemption of the Act of 1799? ANS9 Prime Minister William Pitt QSN10 What year did parliament rescind the exemption of 1799 given to the Freemasons? ANS10 1967