Identity area
Authorized form of name
Description area
History
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes was established in August 1822 at the Harp Tavern, Drury Lane, London by artist Joseph Lisle and comedian William Sinnett along with other stage hands and theatre technicians based at the Drury Lane Theatre.
It drew its original name of 'The Buffaloes' from a popular song of the time, 'We’ll chase the Buffalo'.
The 'lodge' description for branch organisation and headquarters was adopted in imitation of Freemasonry but the organisation prided itself on being open in its objectives, activities and rituals.
By 2014, the society desribed itself as a 'Philanthropic and Charitable body, Lodges and Provinces are at liberty to undertake whatever activity they consider appropriate for the needs of the community in which they work and
live.'
www.raob.org/ (Accessed 11 February 2014)