About North London District
Oddfellowship as such began in London in the early 18th century. It was the craftsmen equivalent to the Coffee Houses of the rich and it was more so, in fact because in their lodges, the Oddfellows could take up collections for those fellow members who were sick or had fallen on hard times. Widows & Orphans of members could also be supported. It also paid for a decent funeral for those who had died and avoided a pauper's grave.
However at the end of the 18th century the government became apprehensive about ideas of democracy reaching the working classes. The American and French revolutions took place at this time. In order to end these lodges and clubs (some were centres of agitation) the Government suppressed them all expect for the Freemasons (because of their Royal Patronage).
So London Oddfellowship disappeared only to resurface elsewhere in the provinces, in the form of a variety of Oddfellow Orders. The Manchester Unity of Oddfellows was officially founded in 1810 in Salford, it most probably in some dates from before then.
By 1838, the Manchester Order had founded Lodges in all major British towns including London, which had a handful of Lodges. In that year the large London District divided into North & South London Districts. These in turn fathered many other districts around their borders, Watford, Great Berkhampstead, Ware for example in the North and Woolwich, and Mitcham in the South.
As the need for actuarial insurance stability of the lodges grew so did the membership. By the mid 1880's the Manchester Unity was the largest friendly society in the world and the North London District was its largest component. It sponsored the Military Lodge at Windsor (just as the South London District did at Woolwich Arsenal) Soldiers & Sailors carried their Lodges overseas to Malta, South Africa, and around the world. It was a member of the North London District who took Oddfellowship to America forming what is known today as the American Order whose influence extends today throughout the mainland of Europe. Similar Orders were founded in Australia & New Zealand.
Since its formation in 1838 the North London District has supplied members to be Grand Master of the Order (the highest office open to any member). By 1900 women members were also entitled to take full membership of the Order and in the hundred years since then a number of women have become Provincial Grand Master of the District and have also held other high offices.
The membership of the North London District is currently 2,881.
At the District Office situated at 15 Highbury Crescent London N5 many interesting records and memorabilia are displayed in a small Museum, which any member is welcome visit. To arrange a visit please telephone in advance.