Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes - Overview

Overview

The order (commonly known as the 'Buffs') has a Rule Book, Manual of Instruction and Ceremony Lectures issued and revised by the Grand Lodge of England based at Harrogate in England. It has no royal patronage, for a Royal Charter has never been issued to the Buffaloes. Moreover it is not a recognised Order of chivalry.

Insofar as surviving records can prove, the earliest known traceable date of a Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is the "Phoenix Lodge No.1" in 1822 at the Harp Tavern, Great Russell Street near Drury Lane Theatre, London 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.

The RAOB Rulebook states that: "The RAOB is open to any male over the age of 18, provided he is a 'true and loyal supporter of the British Crown and Constitution' or, the constitution of their country and he 'enters of his own free will and consent".

The RAOB organisation aids members, their families, those left behind by deceased brethren (Widows/Orphans) and other charitable organisations.

During the 19th Century, via the British Empire, the Order spread throughout the British Commonwealth and Lodges now exist in Britain, Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Middle East, India, Africa, Gibraltar and Cyprus.