MY problem:
To accept the unproven, but authentic APPEARING year, or a non-devulged earlier date?
The statement implies it was founded in 1790, but English Lodges first admitted they existed beginning in 1717.
The Regius Manuscript is purported to be the oldest written Masonic document. It is said to have dated to about 1390.
I have studied the matter and my opinion is that it predates 1300 by a considerable period.
Oral traditions (not written) have always been the method of transmission of Freemasonry.