Description

Admin History:

For a century or more prior to the First World War and the beginnings of the welfare state, millions of working men and their families were active participants in the friendly society movement, benefitting in times of sickness (or death), and in many other ways. In the East Riding of Yorkshire alone, there were over 350 societies in the 19th century, both local town or village benefit groups, and branches of the national affiliated order friendly societies.

Description:

This collection of original and photocopied material was assembled by Dr David Neave during the course of his doctoral and post-doctoral research (see Publication note). East Riding branches of the following national affiliated order friendly societies are covered by the collection: Ancient Order of Foresters, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Manchester Unity), Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Kingston Unity), Grand United Order of Odd Fellows, Loyal Order of Ancient Shepherds, Order of the Sons of Temperance, United Ancient Order of Druids, National Equalized Druids Friendly Society and the United Order of Free Gardeners. There are also records of independent local societies for Beverley, Brandesburton, Driffield, Etton, Flamborough, Hedon, Howden, Market Weighton, Newbald, North Cave and Patrington.