Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes Bands

Here is a photo of a unknown brass band.

During the 19th century various friendly and fraternal organisations arose, often as savings and mutual benefit societies, but also to foster links with both workers and professional men. The most famous of these is the Freemasons, but there were very few brass bands associated with masonic lodges. More numerous were the Oddfellows, Ancient Shepherds, Free Gardeners, R.A.O.B. (Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes), and Foresters brass bands. Similar fraternal organisations, with their lodges and, occasionally, brass bands, arose in the U.S.A.

This particular band is that of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes – but which lodge or location is unknown.

There are a few known such bands:

Barry Dock R.A.O.B. Brass Band – Founded in 1892. Still active in 1899. Conductors C. Hopgood in 1893, J. Mostyn in 1894, and J. Bryan in 1898.

Hull R.A.O.B. Brass Band – Active in 1904, conductor E.G. Hurd – first appearance under their “new title” was on Sunday 14th August 1904 – it is not known what their previous name was.

Manchester R.A.O.B. Brass Band – Active around 1905

Newcastle R.A.O.B. Brass Band – Active in 1878. Associated with the Shakespeare lodge of the Royal and Ancient Order of Buffaloes at Newcastle upon Tyne

Swindon R.A.O.B. Brass Band – Active in the 1920s and 1930s