Bio

Kathleen Aldworth Foster is the author of Doneraile Court: The Story of The Lady Freemason. Although classified as historical fiction, the author went to great lengths to uncover the true story of Elizabeth St Leger Aldworth, who was known as “The Lady Freemason” in 18th century Ireland. As a young woman in 1712, St Leger was caught spying on Freemasons in the middle of an initiation ritual in her family’s home, Doneraile Court. Legend has it the men, including her own father and brothers, were forced to make a life or death decision. At the urging of a man who later became Elizabeth’s husband, they ultimately chose life after a long night of debate. To this day Elizabeth remains the only female member of regular Freemasons recognized in Ireland, where her portrait hangs in the Grand Lodge in Dublin. Her childhood home, Doneraile Court, still stands in Doneraile, County Cork. It’s owned by the state of Ireland and is open to the public.

Kathleen is former TV news producer and journalist who now works as a publicist. She is a Dame in the international modern Knights Templar order, The OSMTHU.

Prepared topics:

The Story of The Lady Freemason – 60 Minutes

During this presentation, Kathleen details the life and times of “The Lady Freemason”, Elizabeth St Leger Aldworth. The Lady Freemason’s journey began in 1712 with an emergency initiation seen as proof of Freemasonry’s existence in Ireland during the pre-grand lodge era. Over the course of her life, The Lady Freemason would have witnessed the craft’s evolution during the 18th century. She was an active and dedicated member, who often appeared in full regalia in Cork and Dublin. She died in 1775 at the dawning of the American Revolutionary War, an effort spearheaded by Freemasons. Upon her death at age 80, Elizabeth received a full Masonic funeral and burial beneath Cork’s cathedral.

Kathleen spent 15 years writing and researching The Lady Freemason as pat of her own genealogical quest, which uncovered Aldworth family connections in Ireland, England, and early colonial America… including a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Travel Information: Kathleen is willing to travel within two hours of New York City. Beyond that, travel and hotel must be covered.

Websites:

www.LadyFreemason.com Paperback and hardcover books, reproduction prints of rare images, and artwork of the Lady Freemason can be purchased.

www.doneraileestate.ie Doneraile Estate and Wildlife Park is owned by the state of Ireland. It is one of the top tourist attractions in County Cork.