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Some Special Interests => Occupation Interests => Topic started by: JackLemon on Sunday 18 November 07 22:23 GMT (UK)

Title: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: JackLemon on Sunday 18 November 07 22:23 GMT (UK)
Can anyone help me out with an idea of where to go for historical records for the above? I have found a relative that was the Secretary of the 'Loyal Order Druids Retreat Lodge'.

There are also details 'U.A.OD 638'.

I am assuming that the Druids became the Masons art some point in time but yes I know.. I shouldn't assume. Still being relatively new at this sort of thing I would really apreciate some help if anyone in the U.K is able.

Thanks heaps.

Paul
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: behindthefrogs on Sunday 18 November 07 22:37 GMT (UK)
There should be no relationship between Druid and Masonic practices.  The ceremonies of the masons are said to find their origins with the masons who built the Temple for King Solomon. 

David
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: nanny jan on Sunday 18 November 07 22:42 GMT (UK)

Could it have been some sort of "friendly society"?


Nanny Jan
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: stanmapstone on Sunday 18 November 07 22:46 GMT (UK)
As far as I am aware the "Druids" have no connection to the Masonic Lodge, also known as Freemasonry.
The United Ancient Order of Druids, is a secret benefit society founded in London in 1781, and now has numerous lodges called groves in the United Kingdom, America, the Colonies, etc.
I don't know if this has any connection to the 'Loyal Order Druids Retreat Lodge' What date was your relative the Secretary?
Stan
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: RJ_Paton on Sunday 18 November 07 22:51 GMT (UK)
Quote
A 19th century set of Rules of the Ancient Order of Druids claims that the United Ancient Order of Druids was a breakaway in 1834 from the original Ancient Order said to have been 'revived' in 1781 by Hurle and others. It is clear from these Rules that a major revision occurred within the Ancient Order in 1849. A 1916 article in the UK Rechabite Magazine records that the Order of Druids was an 1858 breakaway from the UAOD at a time when there was also, besides the Ancient Order, a Modern Order, a Loyal Order, a Bolton Unity of Druids and 'the Druids under the Grove.'

from this it may be that your UA OD 638 is something along the lines of United Ancient Order Druids lodge (or possibly member ) number 638
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: JackLemon on Sunday 18 November 07 22:53 GMT (UK)
I am a little surprised that they aren't connected with the Freemasons but my limited knowledge on the matter doesn't help..maybe it is a 'friendly' society.. Hmmm... Thank you for the message  :)

The date I have is October 1926 and the name
Bros; J F Leaman. (Brother Leaman?) He was the Secretary for 40 years. (Its on a bureau that is in the family but of which little is known.) ???

Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: JackLemon on Sunday 18 November 07 22:57 GMT (UK)
Thank you Falkryn.. More to ponder.. I will look into that posibility tomorrow.. Alas it's my bedtime now so keep well and thank you all for your thoughts.
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: stanmapstone on Sunday 18 November 07 23:07 GMT (UK)
In 1945 there were the Order of Druids Friendly Society and the United Ancient Order of Druids Friendly Society.


Stan
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: JackLemon on Monday 19 November 07 21:40 GMT (UK)
Thanks Stan.. It certainly looks like you'vr hit the target. Now it's time for me to go see what I can find out.
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: Christopher on Tuesday 18 December 07 08:03 GMT (UK)
Hello,

There seems to have been an overlap between the Druids and Freemasons. The Ancient and Archaeological Order of Druids was founded in 1874 by Wentworth Little. Little was a Freemason and his druidic order was designed as an exclusively Masonic society. This is mentioned in an article about  "Churchill’s Druids and Britain's Satanic Prime Minister." (http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/obscure2/druid.html)

Christopher
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: BarryW on Thursday 24 July 08 22:42 BST (UK)
Hi Jack

I have a copy of a UAOD book of Constitutional Rules from 1878.

It lists this as "Druids retreat Lodge - Crown and Mill Tavern, Castle Mill Street, Bristol.

The previous threads were right. The UAOD were a friendly society that split off from the Ancient Order of Druids in 1834. The AOD were a fraternal order like the masons.

The UAOD now longer exist in the UK but is fairly strong in Europe. The AOD is just about surviving in the UK still.

Any more info you need, please ask.

Barry

I have attached a UAOD collar sash worn by members and a medal awarded to members.
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: annie412 on Sunday 28 November 10 22:08 GMT (UK)
Barry,

you seem to know quite a lot about Druids from the researc you have done related to medals?  I discovered an old certificate accepting someone into an order and wondered whether you would have any advice on where to start to find more information?
It was in Norfolk and the date is 1854.
Emma
Title: Re: The Masons / Druids Lodge
Post by: BarryW on Wednesday 05 October 11 17:07 BST (UK)
Hi Annie

If you could post a photo pf the certificate I could maybe help

Regards

Barry