There have been a few reported cases of a woman being admitted to a regular masonic lodge. These cases are rare and are debated by masonic historians.
Elizabeth Aldworth: The one documented account of a woman being admitted to Freemasonry in the 18th century is the case of Elizabeth Aldworth (born St Leger), who is reported to have surreptitiously watched the proceedings of a Lodge meeting held at Doneraile House, the private house of her father, first Viscount Doneraile, a resident of Doneraile, County Cork, Ireland.
Upon discovering the breach of their secrecy, the Lodge resolved to admit and oblige her, and thereafterwith pride she appeared in public in Masonic clothing. In the early part of the 18th century, it was quite habitual for Lodges to be held in private houses. This Lodge was duly warranted as Lodge number 150 on the register of the Grand Lodge of Ireland.
