THE GRAND LODGE of ENGLAND

 

RAOB GLE HISTORY

 

In so far as surviving records can prove, the earliest known traceable date of a Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is 1822 at the Harp Tavern, Great Russell Street near Drury Lane Theatre and was created by stage hands and theatre technicians who had been denied a long held privilege extended to them by the actors and artists of the day.

An Order known as the City of Lushington existed in the late 1700s to the 1800s which consisted almost exclusively of actors or variety artists and held its meetings, mostly for entertainment and social recreation in the Inns and Taverns close to the well populated theatres of the day. In order to be members of the Lushington’s one was required to be either an actor or artist who actually earned their living ‘treading the boards’. Selected guests of members were invited to attend these gatherings, and many stage hands obviously availed themselves of this privilege for a number of years. At some point in time not easily identified the Lushington’s became a ‘closed shop’ presumably because meeting rooms in the Inn or Tavern were not big enough to accommodate everyone (member and visitor alike). Whatever the reason the Lushington’s would only allow members to attend their meetings.

 

CURRENT

​

The RAOB continues its work in the local community, helping those its members promise to assist in times of difficulty or need. Minor Lodges throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world raise money for charities and charitable causes.

 

Membership

 

Membership is open to all males over the age of 18 who are willing to declare that they are "true and loyal supporters of the British Crown and Constitution". Discussion of politics or religion is strictly forbidden at gatherings, as is gambling.

 

Structure

 

The Order has three tiers:

 

Grand Lodge

Provincial Grand Lodges

Minor (Private) Lodges

 

Each Province may also have a

 

Knights Chapter

and a

Roll of Honour (ROH) Assembly

 

The minimum entry requirement being that the member has attained the appropriate degree to be admitted.

Charitable funds exist at Lodge, Province and Grand Lodge levels to assist members of the Order and/or their dependents requiring assistance.

 

Our Values

​

The keywords or hallmarks of our Order are

 

JUSTICE

TRUTH

PHILANTHROPY

 

These are noble sentiments and we strive to work towards a better understanding of the needs of our community. By encouraging our members to lead active and useful lives we believe we can influence others and show that, by following our philosophy, society can grow and improve.

THE PRINCIPAL AIMS

​

Friendship
Charitable Works
Social Activity
Mutual Support
Care

​

DEGREES

 

There are four degrees within the RAOB:

 

Brother (1st degree) (Kangaroo)

Certified Primo (2nd degree)

Knight of the Order of Merit (Knight Sir) (3rd degree)

Roll Of Honour (Right Honourable Sir) (4th degree)