HISTORY OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORDER OF CO-FREEMASONRY LE DROIT HUMAIN,
BRITISH FEDERATION

Dr. Annie Besant, an english philanthropist, applied to the mixed Lodge "Grande Loge Symbolique Ecossaise Mixte de France". Recognising the international potential of the Order, she obtained permission to form a mixed Lodge in Great Britain. A co-masonic lodge was consecrated on 26th September 1902 in London, by the Officers of the Supreme Council from Paris and given the title Lodge Human Duty No: 6. Annie Besant was its first ruler.

While the international headquarters of the Order remained in Paris, work in the UK flourished and many men, in sympathy with the principle of equality for women, joined the Order. Soon, many Lodges were started in Britain and the British Federation was formed to coordinate and assist their activities. As Annie Besant traveled around the english-speaking world, her enthusiasm for, and her understanding of, the inner side of Freemasonry, spread to India, Australia, Canada, South Africa and many other countries.

The Craft Lodges in the British Federation soon adopted Craft rituals written in English rather than in French, and were working Emulation, Verulam and the Dharma ritual (from India) which later became the Lauderdale ritual. A Scottish and later an Irish ritual were also approved by the Supreme Council.

In addition to the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, the British Federation also works various side, or allied degrees, including, but not restricted to, degrees from the York Rite. These include the Mark, Royal Ark Mariner, Holy Royal Arch, and Knights Templar workings.