ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the stories that narrated the struggle between United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and irregular forms of freemasonry overseas, the part played by the organisation in the British Empire and fascination with American developments. On the subject of relationships between Grand Lodges, very little has been published. Interesting parallels between the customs, forms and language adopted by Grand Lodges and state governments were perceptively examined by Margaret Jacobs: highlighting their foreign alliances, treaties, agreements over jurisdiction and 'constitutions'. She described the rise of modern freemasonry as deeply reflective of English Revolution culture. UGLE focused next on strengthening its position in South America. Just prior to Alfred Robbins' visit to the USA, UGLE had granted recognition to Grand Lodges in Mexico, Panama and Colombia, thereby excluding mutual recognition with the Grand Orient of France.
