There are many factions vying for power in Britain, and most of them dabble - whether intentionally or accidentally - in conspiracies, plots and intrigues, both magical and mundane.
Political power
The Monarchy:
The British Monarch, by this era, rules a constitutional monarchy, which shared power with parliament. The King George and his are immensely powerful and wealthy, but this is not an absolute monarchy. They keep court in London as well as several other properties throughout the country, and frequently receive members of the aristocracy and foreign diplomats.
Parliament: Whigs & Tories: Politics in Britain is divided into two parties, the Whigs and the Tories. Neither holds full control of the government, and both have used less than above board means to increase their power. The Whigs are more liberal and fight (in general) against the absolute control of the monarchy, whilst the Tories are more conservative and are, in general, in favour of it.
Aristocrats: from merely wealthy families to Lords, Baronets, Earls and Dukes, the aristocracy still control most of the influence and wealth of Britain. They're all connected, one way or another. At their regular balls, parties, and soirees one might meet all the social elite, from diplomats to politicians, and from celebrated scientists to the latest opera celebrity sensation.
The Worshipful Companies (Guilds): Established in the middle ages to regulate workmanship, Guilds still act to provide a political voice for their members. There are a total of 89 guilds in London, with the most significant 12 at the top. Guilds are available to you 1) if your father was a member, 2) by completing a 7 year apprenticeship or 3) by paying a significant fee. The less prestigious guilds were used by parishes to train pauper children.
The Church of England: whilst the head of the Church of England is the monarch, the Church of England enjoys enormous prosperity and exerts significant political power in its own right, from its two Archbishops (London and York) down to its Bishops and even local priests, who exert influence on local areas.
The Catholic Church: whilst technically still illegal (until 1791), Catholicism - or Papists, as they are called - continue to practice their religion, either privately or in small groups
The Royal Society: founded in 1660, the Royal Society continues to flourish with members such as the electric American, Benjamin Franklin, and currently leans politically towards the Whigs, with Lord Hardwicke's circle.
Secret Societies
The Freemasons: officially a fraternal society with a membership fee, focussed on the Enlightenment values of tolerance, thirst for knowledge and sociability, much goes on behind closed doors which hints at more nefarious activities. Their symbols include a pair of compasses and beehives.
The Illuminati: little is known of the secretive Illuminati, beyond their symbol, the owl, and their desire to keep themselves a secret.
The Circle of Gentlemen: Formed after the famous Battle of Culloden in 1746, the Circle of Gentlemen strives for a Scotland independent of England. They continue to contrive ways to undermine British rule, and search for heirs of the Stuart line.
The Hellfire Club: those in on the secret of the lower echelons of the society are familiar with its orgies, drinking, blasphemy and mocking of traditional morality. However, there are rumours that the upper circles of the Hellfire Club are involved in something rather more sinister.
Society of Educated Gentlewomen: a secret society based in London, with enclaves in cities and large towns throughout Britain. This society is concerned with the regulation and control of magic and magic users, with a view to keeping the British public "veiled" and unaware of magic. This is the society to which most players will belong, as Agents.
Known Secret Societies outside of Britain
In the same vein as the Society of Educated Gentlewomen, other nations of Europe have their own secret societies, who work to control magic and keep the public "veiled".
Les Immortels: a secret society ostensibly responsible for the control of magic in France, although magic there is not forbidden and is instead used for their own gain
Societa delle Sorelle: a secret society responsible for the control of magic in Italy, although recently they have been more focussed on science and technological development
Real world research
If you're curious to know more about the real world side of these societies, you can read more here:
The Hellfire club
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