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Home » Health, Welfare and Charity » Charity and philanthropy » Friendly societies

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  • Sash which belonged to a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters 'Court Powys', one of a number of Friendly Societies which existed in Wales from the late 18th century. It is known that the Ancient Order of Foresters 'Court Powys' met in Welshpool. Since the middle of the 18th century the situation for poor people was close to desperate with low wages, hunger, bad health and high prices. To fight this poverty, people in England and Wales set up Friendly Societies. Their aim was to help the poor in cases of illness and death. Each member would contribute a monthly fee, the money would accumulate and be paid out to members in need. A specified sum would be given to a worker who was unable to work because of illness or to a family, who had problems surviving the death of a husband. The Friendly Societies would also pay pensions to retired workers and travelling relief, for workers seeking jobs outside their home areas. There were very strict rules as to who could benefit from the Societies, the most important being a pledge of non-drinking. Initially, the Friendly Societies were illegal, and in order to counteract this many Friendly Societies used special passwords and secret signs. The Societies were legalised in the late 19th century and some are still in existence today, working more or less as insurance companies and building societies, helping their members with sickness benefit, insurances and mortgages. Description: Powysland Museum and Montgomery Canal Centre
Sash of the Ancient Order of Foresters 'Court Powys'
  • Sash which belonged to a member of the Order of Druids 'Llewelyn Lodge', one of a number of Friendly Societies which existed in Wales from the late 18th century. It is known that the Order of Druids 'Llewelyn Lodge' met in Welshpool. Since the middle of the 18th century the situation for poor people was close to desperate with low wages, hunger, bad health and high prices. To fight this poverty, people in England and Wales set up Friendly Societies. Their aim was to help the poor in cases of illness and death. Each member would pay a monthly fee, the money would accumulate and be paid out to members in need. A specified sum would be given to a worker who was unable to work because of illness or to a family, who had problems surviving the death of a husband. The Friendly Societies would also pay pensions to retired workers and travelling relief, for workers seeking jobs outside their home areas. There were very strict rules as to who could benefit from the Societies, the most important being a pledge of non-drinking. Initially, the Friendly Societies were illegal, and in order to counteract this many Friendly Societies used special passwords and secret signs. The Societies were legalised in the late 19th century and some are still in existence today, working more or less as insurance companies and building societies, helping their members with sickness benefit, insurances and mortgages. Description: Powysland Museum and Montgomery Canal Centre
Sash of the Order of Druids 'Llewelyn Lodge'
  • Sash which belonged to a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters 'Powys Court', one of a number of Friendly Societies which existed in Wales from the late 18th century. It is known that the Ancient Order of Foresters 'Court Powys' met in Welshpool. Since the middle of the 18th century the situation for poor people was close to desparate with low wages, hunger, bad health and high prices. To fight this poverty, people in England and Wales set up Friendly Societies. Their aim was to help the poor in cases of illness and death. Each member would be a monthly fee, the money would accumulate and be paid out to members in need. A specified sum would be given to a worker who was unable to work because of illness or to a family, who had problems surviving the death of a husband. The Friendly Societies would also pay pensions to retired workers and travelling relief, for workers seeking jobs outside their home areas. There were very strict rules as to who could benefit from the Societies, the most important being a pledge of non-drinking. Initially, the Friendly Societies were illegal, and in order to counteract this many Friendly Societies used special passwords and secret signs. The Societies were legalised in the late 19th century and some are still in existence today, working more or less as insurance companies and building societies, helping their members with sickness benefit, insurances and mortgages. Description: Powysland Museum and Montgomery Canal Centre
Sash of the Ancient Order of Foresters 'Court Powys'
  • These billhooks belonged to the Charitable Society of Ancient Britons, which met at the Old Red House in Newton Nottage, Glamorganshire. A subcription was payable for membership of the club, which provided care and assistance to the sick and infirm, and a pension of 18 pence a week. The society was founded in 1715, and Newton Nottagewas one of its centres. Members congregated on the Saturday nearest 10 September. 'In old documents, members of the club talk with pride of a procession with banners and flags unfurled, each member proudly wearing the red shoulder sash with its characteristic rosette, and carrying at the top of a long staff, the emblem of a trade, in this case a peculiarly shaped bilwg, many of which are still treasured as family heirlooms. Headed by a band, the club would march from Newton to Nottage and, in later years, on to the gradually emerging Porthcawl, returning to Newton Church, when the rector would deliver a sermon. The society was originally formed in memory of the death of St John the Baptist. After the procession and the church service, members would proceed to the loft of the Jolly Sailor for dinner and dancing. Increasing numbers of pensioners in later years made young men indifferent, and the society ceased to function in 1896.' Source: 'The Recorder', 12 July 2006.
Ceremonial billhooks, belonging to the Charitable Society of Ancient Britons, 19th century (image 1 of 4)