Haviam duas Grande Lojas conflitantes na Inglaterra. Uma, conhecida como a Grande Loja da Inglaterra, originalmente formada pelas quatro Lojas reunidas em 4 de Junho de 1717 em Londres, conhecida por Grande Loja dos Modernos. A outra Loja, conhecida por Grande Loja dos Antigos porque suas cerimônias vinham das antigas Lojas Operativas sem mudanças
A Grande Loja dos Antigos era liderada por Lord Atholl. Eles elegeram sua primeiro Grande Mestre em 5 de dezembro e 1753. Naquela época, sua associação consistia basicamente de Maçons Irlandeses residentes em Londres. Essa Grande Loja Antiga toronou-se forte conforme o tempo. A Grande Loja dos Modernos ficou enfraquecida pela di
This Grand Lodge of the Ancient was also known as of Atholl Masons, it having been headed by Lord Atholl. They elected their first Grand Master on December 5, 1753, their membership at that time consisting largely of Irish Freemasons then resident in London. This Ancient Grand Lodge became strong as time went on. The Grand Lodge of the Moderns was weakened by dissension within its own ranks between the Operative and Speculative Lodges, some of whom joined the opposing Grand Lodge of the Ancient. The famous Laurence Dermott was for many years the head of the Ancient. Dermott was selected Grand Secretary of the Ancient February 5, 1752. After much conflict between the Ancient and Moderns a Union was consummated, the Articles of Union being signed November 25, 1813, by the Dukes of Sussex and Kent, the Grand Masters of the two Lodges. Later, December 27, 1813, the Act of Union confirmed this agreement at a joint meeting of the two Lodges and the present United Grand Lodge of England came into existence.