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Victorian Fete and
Box Friendly Societies Alan Payne, October 2015 There were several Friendly Societies or fraternities (men's social clubs) in Victorian Box: the Oddfellows, Buffaloes and Foresters. They mixed fellowship, charity and religion, and were famous throughout North Wiltshire for holding a summer fete reminiscent of the current Box Revels. Right: Typical scene of Wiltshire Fete |
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Friendly Societies
The dominance of the Friendly Societies in Box is a strange phenomenon, not repeated in many other local villages. They owe their success to the way that Box had become a more industrial, working class location, rather than a rural agricultural village as in other areas. But this was also the cause of problems because the quarry trade often resulted in injury, sickness claims and great demands on the finances of the local societies.
The Friendly Societies provided several of the needs we now recognise as being state functions, including social security and very limited protection against the effects of industrial injury. And there was one function that is still provided by similar organisations - the payment of lump sums to finance burials.
The dominance of the Friendly Societies in Box is a strange phenomenon, not repeated in many other local villages. They owe their success to the way that Box had become a more industrial, working class location, rather than a rural agricultural village as in other areas. But this was also the cause of problems because the quarry trade often resulted in injury, sickness claims and great demands on the finances of the local societies.
The Friendly Societies provided several of the needs we now recognise as being state functions, including social security and very limited protection against the effects of industrial injury. And there was one function that is still provided by similar organisations - the payment of lump sums to finance burials.
John Wilkes after Richard Houston
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George IV, 1789, painted by Samuel William Reynolds
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Loyal Northey Lodge of Oddfellows
The Oddfellows started in the late 1700s and some of their most famous members included John Wilkes and King George IV. They were similar in some respects to freemasons, offering a way of respecting others and support for fellow members. After its formation in 1810 the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity became the dominant branch and it was to this affiliation that the Box Lodge belonged.
The Order was started in Box on 24 November 1842 at the Chequers Inn under the name the Loyal Northey Lodge.[1] The initial meeting had about 40 attendees including Bath District officials and great praise was awarded to the profusion and delicacy of the viands and the excellency of the wines ... and liberality of the host, Mr Vezey. The newspaper report confirmed that the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows was likely to become a leading institution for provision against sickness, death and casual misfortune.
The Oddfellows started in the late 1700s and some of their most famous members included John Wilkes and King George IV. They were similar in some respects to freemasons, offering a way of respecting others and support for fellow members. After its formation in 1810 the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity became the dominant branch and it was to this affiliation that the Box Lodge belonged.
The Order was started in Box on 24 November 1842 at the Chequers Inn under the name the Loyal Northey Lodge.[1] The initial meeting had about 40 attendees including Bath District officials and great praise was awarded to the profusion and delicacy of the viands and the excellency of the wines ... and liberality of the host, Mr Vezey. The newspaper report confirmed that the Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows was likely to become a leading institution for provision against sickness, death and casual misfortune.
Odd Fellows logo by Bashereyre
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The Loyal Northey Lodge boasted some of the most prominent village people as members: WH Poynder, WA Bruce, Capt Woodgate, Capt Balfour, Dr Naish, Dr Snow, F Ankctill (sic) and Peter Pinchin. On the occasion of its 33rd anniversary in 1875 additional members listed included Rev GE Gardiner, Capt Struan Robertson, TF Snow, W Pinchin, RJ Marsh,
G Browning, J Fudge, F Pocock and AF Perren.[2] In later years the Box Lodge met at the Queen's Head. In 1899 the Respected Secretary was J Bradfield and Chairman PGW Cogswell.[3] A visit from the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, Bath District, was heartily and hospitably entertained, their healths drunk with utmost enthusiasm and the evening was given up to harmony and having a hearty evening. So not much doubt that socialising was an important aspect of the Lodge's remit. We get some idea of the numbers of members from a report in August 1913.[4] Mr Cogswell, secretary of the Oddfellows Lodge, reported 144 members but the quarry trade was a large burden on the Lodge because of injuries: Sickness claims totalling last year £307; the capital of the lodge at present amounted to £3,9000, an average of about £26 per member. A female branch had been formed but was only in its infancy. |
Ancient Order of Foresters (Box's Bold Robin Hood Court)
The Order harkened back to the medieval Forest Law and mythology (Man wandering through the Forest of this World) sometimes claiming that Adam was the founder member. The order was important because of its status as a Friendly Society after 1834.
The Box branch was called the Bold Robin Hood Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters to symbolise its rural origins. They met in the Queen's Head.[5] Mr Hayward gave details of its membership in August 1913 158 voluntary members, 142 for State Insurance and the lodge had paid £103.19s in sickness benefits in 1912.[6] The organising of state insurance payments continued long after the heyday of the organisation because their function was needed after the advent of the National Health Service in 1948.
The Order harkened back to the medieval Forest Law and mythology (Man wandering through the Forest of this World) sometimes claiming that Adam was the founder member. The order was important because of its status as a Friendly Society after 1834.
The Box branch was called the Bold Robin Hood Court of the Ancient Order of Foresters to symbolise its rural origins. They met in the Queen's Head.[5] Mr Hayward gave details of its membership in August 1913 158 voluntary members, 142 for State Insurance and the lodge had paid £103.19s in sickness benefits in 1912.[6] The organising of state insurance payments continued long after the heyday of the organisation because their function was needed after the advent of the National Health Service in 1948.
Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, Box Valley Lodge
The Buffaloes were not technically a friendly society covered by the Friendly Society Acts but rather they were a benevolent organisation similar to the Freemasons. They were founded in 1822 and their name is reputed to have come from a popular song of the time We’ll chase the Buffalo. The term Antediluvian (meaning before the time of the flood in the Bible) was added in the 1850s.
Keeping the name of the organisation in the forefront of local life was a continuous need. In March 1929 the Parish Magazine reported that At 11 o'clock on Palm Sunday, March 24, the Box Valley Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, together with Buffs from other Lodges, will be coming to Box Church, as the Freemasons did last year.
The Buffs has had a long history in Box. They were still going strong in 1933 when they organised a dance at the Bingham Hall in support of a children's ward at the RUH, Bath, organised by Buff members WE Dermott, FW Nowell, A Chaffey, H Miller, U Rogers, HJ Rothery and CH Sheppard (secretary).[7]
In 1936 the death of Herbert James Rothery, licensee of the Queen's Head, prominent Conservative, clerk to Box Parish Council and supporter of Bath Rugby and Box Cricket Club, was honoured by local Buffaloes in Bath and Box, including Knight M Rogers, Primos Moody and Nowell, and Brothers F Bradfield, PS Chandler and Mr Hall.[8] The mourners read like a who's who of notable Box residents, including sisters Mrs E Shewring, Mrs A Clark, Mrs A Pike, Mrs S Toogood and Mrs V Oatley.[9]
The Buffaloes were not technically a friendly society covered by the Friendly Society Acts but rather they were a benevolent organisation similar to the Freemasons. They were founded in 1822 and their name is reputed to have come from a popular song of the time We’ll chase the Buffalo. The term Antediluvian (meaning before the time of the flood in the Bible) was added in the 1850s.
Keeping the name of the organisation in the forefront of local life was a continuous need. In March 1929 the Parish Magazine reported that At 11 o'clock on Palm Sunday, March 24, the Box Valley Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, together with Buffs from other Lodges, will be coming to Box Church, as the Freemasons did last year.
The Buffs has had a long history in Box. They were still going strong in 1933 when they organised a dance at the Bingham Hall in support of a children's ward at the RUH, Bath, organised by Buff members WE Dermott, FW Nowell, A Chaffey, H Miller, U Rogers, HJ Rothery and CH Sheppard (secretary).[7]
In 1936 the death of Herbert James Rothery, licensee of the Queen's Head, prominent Conservative, clerk to Box Parish Council and supporter of Bath Rugby and Box Cricket Club, was honoured by local Buffaloes in Bath and Box, including Knight M Rogers, Primos Moody and Nowell, and Brothers F Bradfield, PS Chandler and Mr Hall.[8] The mourners read like a who's who of notable Box residents, including sisters Mrs E Shewring, Mrs A Clark, Mrs A Pike, Mrs S Toogood and Mrs V Oatley.[9]
Box Fete procession in 1920 (courtesy Margaret Wakefield)
Box Fetes
The Friendly Society Fetes started in the 1870s in Box. By 1874 they were not yet an annual event and still primarily focussed on recruiting membership.[10] The Oddfellows fetes in early August became extremely popular and in 1882 the railway put on special trains to get visitors in and out of the village.[11]
The Foresters' Fete was held at Whitsun-time, sometimes Whit-Tuesday, usually late May or early June.[12] The early fetes included processions through the village in the bright-coloured regalia of the order, banners and marching behind a local brass band. The pageant usually went from the Fete Field area to the Church for a church service, sometimes making detours to include the vicarage or Box House, and returning for a dinner for members and public festivities on Fete Field. Events included a programme of amusements such as three-legged races and jumping in sacks, with villagers attending in such very respectable numbers in their holiday attire. Local houses were often decorated especially the Queen's Head, the Chequers and The Bear.[13]
When Colerne started a fete in 1875 it had some support from the Box Oddfellows Lodge and village residents including Rev GE Gardiner, vicar of Box.[14] At that time membership fees were tuppence a week to permit medical consultation and prescription medicines and to avoid the need to go to the parish doctor.
By the time of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 the fete was organised as a joint event by the Loyal Northey Lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows and the Bold Robin Hood Lodge of the Ancient Order of Foresters. The two lodges led the procession behind the Lyneham Brass Band, from the Schools to the Church.[15]
In September 1903 the Parish Magazine was able to report on the annual August Bank Holiday fete organised by the members of the Oddfellows and Foresters' Lodges. After a service at the parish church at 11am there was a procession to the schools where the customary dinner was held, Col Northey presiding. In the afternoon the usual sports were held. Dancing followed the conclusion of the sports and the usual amusements of such gathering were available in the adjoining field.
The Friendly Society Fetes started in the 1870s in Box. By 1874 they were not yet an annual event and still primarily focussed on recruiting membership.[10] The Oddfellows fetes in early August became extremely popular and in 1882 the railway put on special trains to get visitors in and out of the village.[11]
The Foresters' Fete was held at Whitsun-time, sometimes Whit-Tuesday, usually late May or early June.[12] The early fetes included processions through the village in the bright-coloured regalia of the order, banners and marching behind a local brass band. The pageant usually went from the Fete Field area to the Church for a church service, sometimes making detours to include the vicarage or Box House, and returning for a dinner for members and public festivities on Fete Field. Events included a programme of amusements such as three-legged races and jumping in sacks, with villagers attending in such very respectable numbers in their holiday attire. Local houses were often decorated especially the Queen's Head, the Chequers and The Bear.[13]
When Colerne started a fete in 1875 it had some support from the Box Oddfellows Lodge and village residents including Rev GE Gardiner, vicar of Box.[14] At that time membership fees were tuppence a week to permit medical consultation and prescription medicines and to avoid the need to go to the parish doctor.
By the time of Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897 the fete was organised as a joint event by the Loyal Northey Lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows and the Bold Robin Hood Lodge of the Ancient Order of Foresters. The two lodges led the procession behind the Lyneham Brass Band, from the Schools to the Church.[15]
In September 1903 the Parish Magazine was able to report on the annual August Bank Holiday fete organised by the members of the Oddfellows and Foresters' Lodges. After a service at the parish church at 11am there was a procession to the schools where the customary dinner was held, Col Northey presiding. In the afternoon the usual sports were held. Dancing followed the conclusion of the sports and the usual amusements of such gathering were available in the adjoining field.
The 1914 fete was held days after the opening of the First World War.[16] It reflected a happy Edwardian life before so much changed in the village. The afternoon's sports included boys races; adult contests with novelty events, blindfold races, obstacle race for Boy Scouts in uniform, women's competitions and village tug-of-war.
The Fete struggled on in the interwar years despite the poverty which affected the area in the Great Depression of the 1920s.
But it ceased in the Second World War and never re-started. By 1948 the National Health Service used its membership but took in the rest of the population as well and the need to become a member lessened. By then the movement had run its full course.
The Fete struggled on in the interwar years despite the poverty which affected the area in the Great Depression of the 1920s.
But it ceased in the Second World War and never re-started. By 1948 the National Health Service used its membership but took in the rest of the population as well and the need to become a member lessened. By then the movement had run its full course.
References
[1] The Bath Chronicle, 3 November 1842
[2] The Bath Chronicle, 28 October 1875 although the Oddfellows were incorrectly stated to be the Foresters.
[3] The Bath Chronicle, 21 September 1899
[4] The Bath Chronicle, 9 August 1913
[5] Courtesy Richard Browning
[6] The Bath Chronicle, 9 August 1913
[7] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 11 February 1933
[8] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 9 May 1936 and 16 May 1936
[9] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 16 May 1936
[10] The Bath Chronicle, 16 July 1874
[11] The Bath Chronicle, 3 August 1882
[12] The Bath Chronicle, 22 May 1884
[13] The Bath Chronicle, 16 July 1874
[14] The Bath Chronicle, 15 July 1875
[15] Parish Magazine, June 1930
[16] The Bath Chronicle, 8 August 1914
[1] The Bath Chronicle, 3 November 1842
[2] The Bath Chronicle, 28 October 1875 although the Oddfellows were incorrectly stated to be the Foresters.
[3] The Bath Chronicle, 21 September 1899
[4] The Bath Chronicle, 9 August 1913
[5] Courtesy Richard Browning
[6] The Bath Chronicle, 9 August 1913
[7] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 11 February 1933
[8] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 9 May 1936 and 16 May 1936
[9] Bath Weekly Chronicle and Herald, 16 May 1936
[10] The Bath Chronicle, 16 July 1874
[11] The Bath Chronicle, 3 August 1882
[12] The Bath Chronicle, 22 May 1884
[13] The Bath Chronicle, 16 July 1874
[14] The Bath Chronicle, 15 July 1875
[15] Parish Magazine, June 1930
[16] The Bath Chronicle, 8 August 1914