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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FREEMASONRY

The speculative Freemasonry, as we know it today, was born in London the year 1717 at the hands of a group of Freemasons which dissociated entirely Freemasonry of its origins (the Freemasonry operational). They federate in four Logias and create the Grand Logia of London.

BEGINNING OF THE FREEMASONRY IN SPAIN

The first indications are for the period 1717-1729 in relation to requests made to the Grand Logia of England from Gibraltar and Cadiz. More documented is the demand of a request in 1729 from New York, where it was established the first Logia Continental, French Armas located on the Broad Street in San Bernado, number 17. It was located where the Hotel Tres Flores de Lis (and listed Pine and subsequently appear in the 1730 edition as Prichard Three Flowers Lights No. 50). Between 1734 and 1767 was better known as the Matritense. At its birth is the key role played by the Duke of Wharton. According to Nicolas Diaz Perez, a view not entirely coincident with other prominent researchers, Philip Wharton was commissioned to inaugurate work freemasonry in Spain. In this Logia will be accommodated much of the enlightened minority, aristocratic and intellectual of the time.

From its inception until 1931 Freemasonry existed in Spain through its Logias and different Obediencias . But in the wake of the proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic, Freemasonry reaches its greatest splendor. The Freemasonry was legalized and becomes very well regarded by the majority of government institutions. Suffice it to say that of the 470 deputies of the Parliament of the Republic Constituent 183 were Masons, although the total number of Masons in Spain was no more than 5,000 by then.

Decree-Law of 13 September 1936 declared outlaws all political parties and social groups that existed during the Second Republic. The year 1939 Masonic Spanish people was declared dangerous enemy, persecuted, exiled and executed. During the 40 years of Franco dictature, Freemasonry disappeared in Spain. In the year 1977 were general elections in Spain and strengthens the process of democratization of the former regime. In 1978 the democratic Constitution of the Spanish State was approved. The Freemasonry activities ceased to be illegal.

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