Our History

The Ancient Order of Foresters began in 1834, but its origins lie in a much older society called the Royal Foresters formed in the 18th century. Meeting in Leeds, this seems at first to have been a purely sociable society until the members decided that they had a duty to assist their fellow men who fell into need "as they walked through the forests of life". This 'need' arose principally when a breadwinner fell ill, could not work and, therefore, received no wages. Illness and death left families financially distressed and often destitute. Relief of this need has been the main purpose of the Foresters throughout their long history. It was achieved by members paying, initially, a few pence a week into a common fund from which sick pay and funeral grants could be drawn.

Take a look back at some of the key moments in the Society's history.

1834
In August 1834 in Rochdale, over 300 branches of the Royal Foresters society (established in the 18th century) transfer their allegiance to the new Ancient Order of Foresters. George Mandley becomes the first High Chief Ranger.
1835
First High Court (AGM) at Salford Town Hall, with 285 branches represented.
1839 - 1840
The first Welsh, Irish and Scottish branches are founded ('Welshman's Friend' No 841, 'Pride of the North' No 1070 and 'Banks of Clyde' No 1109).
1842
David Redfearn is elected as the Order's first Permanent Secretary. Less than 3 months later, he had 'done a runner' to New York with some of the Society's money and an Executive Council member's wife.
1843
Samuel Shawcross is elected the second Permanent Secretary. He becomes the longest-serving person in this role, being at the heart of Foresters and general friendly society developments for the next 46 years.
1850
Foresters attains legal status under the new Friendly Societies Act.
1864
Members set up the first voluntary Lifeboat Fund. By June it raises £225, and by December the first lifeboat paid for by the fund - aptly named 'Forester' - commences its duties.
1884
The Society celebrates its Jubilee year at the AGM in Manchester.
1893
The first female branch, Court 'Martha Blakeney' No 8108, opens in Sheffield. Martha Blakeney was the wife of Archdeacon J E Blakeney, A Canon of York.
1898
The first mixed male and female branch is approved, with 292 delegates voting for the proposition and 213 voting against it.
1912
After the National Insurance Act of 1911, Foresters becomes an 'Approved Society', allowing it to get involved in the state system of National Insurance. It can now accept individuals contributing to the state scheme as members which virtually doubles the total membership of the Society.
1918
The Foresters' War Memorial Benevolent Fund is established to provide financial assistance to members and their families who have been severely affected by the losses of the First World War.
1934
Centenary celebrations include a thanksgiving service, held simultaneously at over 500 locations on 3rd June 1934. Some 1,135 delegates attend the AGM at the Albert Hall in Nottingham, including visitors from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Holland and the United States.
1959
The 125th anniversary of the Society is celebrated at the Aberdeen AGM.
1971
E M J 'Jenny' Rivett is appointed the first female High Chief Ranger. Jenny attended her first AGM in 1928.
1984
Over 600 members attend the 150th anniversary celebrations at the AGM in Scarborough. This is preceded by a World Conference of Foresters, at which numerous members are present, with over 2,000 Foresters filling York Minster. The voluntary Educational Awards scheme, which continues to this day, is approved and adopted by delegates.
1988
Payments by the Foresters' War Memorial Benevolent reach £1 million.
1994
A 'pilgrimage' of more than 1,000 Foresters visit the grave of Little John, who some argue was one of the first Royal Foresters, at Hathersage in Derbyshire.
2000
The Society starts to become regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
2003
Foresters acquires Tunstall Assurance Friendly Society, followed by the Leek Assurance Collecting Society in 2005
2009
Foresters celebrates its 175th anniversary at the AGM in Manchester, close to where it all began.

Read more about the Ancient Order of Foresters.

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