Career
George Payne was a Freemason and the second Grand Master of the Premier Grand Lodge of England in 1718. After being succeeded by John Desaguliers in 1719, he was again Grand Master in 1720. During this time he compiled The Constitutions of the Free-masons, which was printed in 1722 or 1723.
He was deputy Master in 1725, when the Duke of Richmond was both Master of the Lodge and Grand Master.
George Payne (c1685 – 23 January 1757) of the Exchequer - appointed Secretary to the Tax Office 20 July 1732, Head Secretary 8 April 1743 - was the son of Samuel Payne of Chester and Frances Kendrick or Kenrick. They lived in Street Stephen"s Court, New Palace Yard, Westminster.
Thomas"s nine recorded children included Frances Compton (later Amyand) Countess of Northampton and Catherine Seymour, wife of Lord Francis Seymour Dean of Wells.
