The Football Association:
Founded in the Freemasons' Tavern on Long Acre, London on 26 October
1863
(I wouldn’t drink in a place with that name if the beer was free).
President: Prince William of Wales (Grand Nephew of Prince Edward,
Duke of Kent, Grand Master of the Freemasons in England & Wales.)
--
“European aristocrats transferred their lighted candles from Christian
altars to Masonic lodges. The flame of occult alchemists, which had
promised to turn dross into gold, reappeared at the center of new
"circles" seeking to recreate a golden age: Bavarian Illuminists
conspiring against the Jesuits, French Philadelphians against
Napoleon, Italian charcoal burners against the Hapsburgs.”