1915 Independent Order of Oddfellows Annual Moveable Conference, Manchester - delegate’s badge
The Independent Order of Oddfellows was established in 1810 as the Manchester Unity (MU) when a number of social societies came together and formed a Friendly Society to provide financial benefits to working class people, artisans and tradesmen. The Oddfellows had existed earlier on an ad-hoc basis but it was not till 1810 they gained official recognition and so, no longer would they be at risk of falling foul to the 1799 Secret Oaths Act. Like other Friendly and Fraternal societies, the Oddfellows organised themselves on the Masonic model and having a long tradition in regalia that included medals and badges for its members.
Oddfellow societies were established across England during the 19th century and in addition to the usual range of savings, sickness, death benefits, etc also introduced novel services such as Travel Warrants that allowed members seeking work to stay in Oddfellow lodges free of charge.
The name ‘Oddfellows’ probably came about as a result of Yeoman Guilds coming into being and made up of people (fellows) from an ‘odd’ assortment of trades, formed in opposition to the more exclusive Livery Guilds.
Today, Oddfellows is a Mutual Friendly Society with some 230,000 members across 151 branches nationwide, providing a range of financial and insurance services. Unlike the impersonal service offered by banks and building societies, Oddfellows also offers a social activities and welfare services to its members. Membership is not exclusive to the UK and are found worldwide.
This large and impressive badge would have been available for sale to delegates attending the 1915 Annual Moveable Conference held in Manchester. The badge depicts the Manchester municipal crest and that of the independent Order of Oddfellows above, quartered with an hourglass timer, crossed keys, Agnus Dei with flag and a beehive with in the centre a flower. Here’s a clearer representation of the Oddfellows’ crest www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=4e6789... The Reverend F C Davies is named as the Grand Master who presumably would have chaired the meeting. Rev. Frederick Charles Davies was Vicar at St. Mary’s Church in Reigate from 1901 to 1929.
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References:
www.oddfellows.co.uk/Site/Content/Gen_Content.aspx?conten... (History and general information about the Independent Order of Oddfellows).
www.oddfellows.co.uk/Site/Content/Gen_Content.aspx?conten... (An interesting group of short articles about the Oddfellows, well worth a read. Includes one about the Necropolis Railway that was run by the Independent Order of Oddfellows and whose building façade still survives in Westminster Bridge Road, London.)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oddfellows
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oddfellows#The_Grand_United_Order_o...
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Enamels: 3 (red, blue & white).
Finish: Gilt.
Material: Brass.
Fixer: Pin.
Size: 2” x 1 5/16” (about 50mm x 33mm).
Process: Die stamped.
Makers: Henry Slingsby Limited.
.
Thank you for reading.
Stuart.
1915 Independent Order of Oddfellows Annual Moveable Conference, Manchester - delegate’s badge
The Independent Order of Oddfellows was established in 1810 as the Manchester Unity (MU) when a number of social societies came together and formed a Friendly Society to provide financial benefits to working class people, artisans and tradesmen. The Oddfellows had existed earlier on an ad-hoc basis but it was not till 1810 they gained official recognition and so, no longer would they be at risk of falling foul to the 1799 Secret Oaths Act. Like other Friendly and Fraternal societies, the Oddfellows organised themselves on the Masonic model and having a long tradition in regalia that included medals and badges for its members.
Oddfellow societies were established across England during the 19th century and in addition to the usual range of savings, sickness, death benefits, etc also introduced novel services such as Travel Warrants that allowed members seeking work to stay in Oddfellow lodges free of charge.
The name ‘Oddfellows’ probably came about as a result of Yeoman Guilds coming into being and made up of people (fellows) from an ‘odd’ assortment of trades, formed in opposition to the more exclusive Livery Guilds.
Today, Oddfellows is a Mutual Friendly Society with some 230,000 members across 151 branches nationwide, providing a range of financial and insurance services. Unlike the impersonal service offered by banks and building societies, Oddfellows also offers a social activities and welfare services to its members. Membership is not exclusive to the UK and are found worldwide.
This large and impressive badge would have been available for sale to delegates attending the 1915 Annual Moveable Conference held in Manchester. The badge depicts the Manchester municipal crest and that of the independent Order of Oddfellows above, quartered with an hourglass timer, crossed keys, Agnus Dei with flag and a beehive with in the centre a flower. Here’s a clearer representation of the Oddfellows’ crest www.waymarking.com/gallery/image.aspx?f=1&guid=4e6789... The Reverend F C Davies is named as the Grand Master who presumably would have chaired the meeting. Rev. Frederick Charles Davies was Vicar at St. Mary’s Church in Reigate from 1901 to 1929.
.
References:
www.oddfellows.co.uk/Site/Content/Gen_Content.aspx?conten... (History and general information about the Independent Order of Oddfellows).
www.oddfellows.co.uk/Site/Content/Gen_Content.aspx?conten... (An interesting group of short articles about the Oddfellows, well worth a read. Includes one about the Necropolis Railway that was run by the Independent Order of Oddfellows and whose building façade still survives in Westminster Bridge Road, London.)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oddfellows
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oddfellows#The_Grand_United_Order_o...
.
Enamels: 3 (red, blue & white).
Finish: Gilt.
Material: Brass.
Fixer: Pin.
Size: 2” x 1 5/16” (about 50mm x 33mm).
Process: Die stamped.
Makers: Henry Slingsby Limited.
.
Thank you for reading.
Stuart.