Friendly Society Collection

"150 Years of Camaraderie and Solidarity: The Legacy of Friendly Societies" Step back in time to the year 1834

Posters warning those guilty of illegal oaths were liable to deportation, (1834), 1934
Posters warning that people found guilty of uttering illegal oaths were liable to deportation, 1834. On 24th February 1834 local landowners in Dorsetput up posters warning that people found guilty of

Certificate of endowment for the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, October 15, 1908
Certificate of endowment made out to Edgar Leroy Boyd by the Mutual Endowment Association of the District Grand Lodge of Ohio of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows

Rechabite: Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice, 1849 (colour litho)
AQS331981 Rechabite: Temperance, Fortitude, and Justice, 1849 (colour litho) by Currier, Nathaniel (1813-88); American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts

Independent Order of Rechabites (colour litho)
3093753 Independent Order of Rechabites (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Independent Order of Rechabites)

A Contemporary Impression of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, (1838), 1934
A Contemporary Impression of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, 1838. After an illustration origionally in the Cleaves Penny Gazette. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century agricultural labourers

Churchyard at Tolpuddle showing James Hammetts grave, 1934. The Church of St John The Evangelist, Tolpuddle. In the foreground we see the grave of James Hammett (1811 -1891)

Letter written to Home Secretary John Russell (1792-1878) by the wives of the Tolpuddle Martyrs
The letter written to Home Secretary John Russell (1792-1878) by the wives of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, 1836. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century agricultural labourers from Dorset who

Route of the protest march to free the Tolpuddle Martyrs, (1834), 1934
The route that the protest march to free the Tolpuddle Martyrs took. A vast demonstration took place on 21st April 1834 with up to 100, 000 people taking part

George Loveless (1797-1874) in chains from Dorchester to a prison, (1834), 1934
George Loveless (1797-1874) in chains at Salisbury, during his journey from Dorchester to a prison hulk, the York at Portsmouth to await transportation, 1834

The Tolpuddle Memorial at the Tolpuddle Methodist Chapel, 1934. The Tolpuddle Martyrs were a group of 19th century agricultural labourers from Dorset who were convicted of swearing a secret oath as

Office holders certificate of the Female Lodge of the Manchester Unity Friendly Society, 1929. Friendly societies first grew up in Britain and Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries

Our (Very) Friendly Societies!, 1886. Artist: Joseph Swain
Our (Very) Friendly Societies!, 1886. The representative of Britains honest and sober working-class is diligently posting his small savings into the door of the Cormorant Friendly Society

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"150 Years of Camaraderie and Solidarity: The Legacy of Friendly Societies" Step back in time to the year 1834, when posters warning against illegal oaths brought forth a wave of change. Those found guilty faced deportation, marking a pivotal moment in history. Fast forward to 1934, as we reflect on this significant milestone that shaped the concept of friendly societies. One such society was the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, whose certificate of endowment from October 15, 1908 stands as a testament to their commitment. With values rooted in temperance, fortitude, and justice, the Rechabites emerged in 1849 as advocates for sobriety and righteousness. The Independent Order of Rechabites continued this noble cause with their vibrant lithographs capturing their dedication. Meanwhile, the Tolpuddle Martyrs became symbols of resilience and sacrifice during these transformative times. A contemporary impression from 1838 transports us back to witness their struggle for justice. Inscribed letters penned by the wives of these brave martyrs reveal not only their anguish but also their unwavering determination to fight for what is right. Follow the route they marched upon in protest during that fateful year - an act that would forever etch them into history's annals. George Loveless endured unimaginable hardships while being transported from Dorchester to prison; his chains serving as haunting reminders of oppression faced by those who dared challenge societal norms. Today, at Tolpuddle Methodist Chapel stands a memorial honoring these courageous individuals who paved the way for workers' rights. Friendly societies were not limited solely to men; women played an integral role too. The office holders' certificate belonging to Manchester Unity Friendly Society's Female Lodge showcases how unity transcends gender boundaries even in 1929. As we delve deeper into history's tapestry woven by friendly societies since its inception over a century ago, we witness the power of collective action.