Friendly Societies

Chimp

Chimp

Moderator & Cheeky Human IMP
Staff member
Can anyone tell me what was the purpose of a 'Friendly Society'

I have 2 references of public houses in my town becoming members of such societies, both in 1835.

From what I can gather members paid 1 shilling a month into the fund. Money could be deducted from this for swearing, rudeness, inappropriate dress or for divulging society business to non members.

But what was it's purpose?
 
I believe that they started up as a form of Insurance Company. People paid in so that they could draw on the funds in times of need. I think that they also paid out a form of sickness benefit and old age pension.
 
Thank you Jan. That sounds about what I was thinking but wasn't sure. I shall do some more digging and see what I can find. It would be nice to find a list of members but by the sounds of it that ain't gonna happen :(
 
There was a Friendly Society Act in 1875. Might be worth following that up.
 
Ooh! Just found that the Friendly Societies have a webpage and a section on their history. Well worth a read: friendlysocieties.co.uk/
:D
 
Thank you again. Have just found a copy on 'internet Archive' will have a read.

I think I will look at your second suggestion first :)
 
Thank you very much indeed Jan. I could not rewrite an explanation better than the society already has, so for an explanation on what the societies are about I have a link to their site :)

Thank you again.
 
Where records survive they can be wonderful: the relevant county record office is the usual first port of call. In Oxfordshire we are very lucky in having a recently published guide to known societies and their records. There's a slightly older (1948!) article about Radnorshire friendly societies here:

http://
welshjournals.llgc.org.uk/browse/viewpage/llgc-id:1191402/llgc-id:1192836/llgc-id:1192865/get650
 
Just a couple of snippets from the papers -

Hereford Journal 14th June 1862
The anniversary of the Lindridge and Knighton Friendly Society was held at the Talbot Hotel, on Wednesday. After visiting Newnham Court, the seat of Mrs. Wheeler, and being there regaled with plum cake and cider, they went to Knighton church, where an impressive sermon was delivered by the Vicar of Tenbury. Then they returned to the Talbot, where they dined, being presided over by the Rev. W. R. Davies, the hon. secretary. Mr and Mrs Smallman provided excellent fare. The society numbers 249 members, and funds amounting to £1564 14s.

Worcester Chronicle 10th June 1862
Lindridge and Knighton Friendly Society - This society, which was established in 1823, held its annual meeting at Newnham Bridge, on Thursday. The members formed in procession, headed by a band, and marched to church, where an appropriate discourse was delivered by the Rev. R. Sergeant, curate of Lindridge. After the service the club returned to the Talbot Inn, at Newnham, where a most substantial dinner was provided by Host Smallman in his usual good style, presided over by E. V. Wheeler, Esq. After the cloth was removed and grace said, the customary loyal and local toasts were given and duly honoured, and the evening spent pleasantly. The club numbers (including honorary members) 251, and has capital of £1,561 7s. 7d.

Ann
 
Thank you very much Ann. Sadly that Knighton is the wrong Knighton. It should read Knighton-on-Teme. Both Lindridge and Knighton-on-Teme are in Worcestershire or Herefordshire.

We have had several visitors to our town looking for Knighton-on-Teme. I'm not surprised though, Knighton in Radnorshire is on the river Teme.
 
Chimp said:
Thank you very much Ann. Sadly that Knighton is the wrong Knighton. It should read Knighton-on-Teme. Both Lindridge and Knighton-on-Teme are in Worcestershire or Herefordshire.

We have had several visitors to our town looking for Knighton-on-Teme. I'm not surprised though, Knighton in Radnorshire is on the river Teme.
Click to expand...
Oh poo.......:(

Ann
 
It's amazing what one learns here. I thought for sure this was going to lead to the Society of Friends (Quakers). I'm so pleased to be so wrong. :)
 
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