A Year In History: 1717

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This Year in History:

1717

Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

May 16

Satirical writer Voltaire is imprisoned in the Bastille

Writer Francois‑Marie Arouet, better known as Voltaire, is imprisoned in the Bastille on May 16, 1717. The outspoken writer was born to middle‑class parents, attended college in Paris, and began…

Art, Literature and Film History

June 24

1st Masonic Grand Lodge formed in London

On June 24, 1717, members of four local Masonic lodges—all part of a secret society of Masons—meet at the Goose and Gridiron alehouse in London’s St. Paul’s Churchyard to create…

European History

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Satirical writer Voltaire is imprisoned in the Bastille

1st Masonic Grand Lodge formed in London

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