The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes: A fraternal movement born from 1820s theatrical roots

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known as the Buffs, this fraternal order has operated since 1822, spreading from British pubs to global outposts. Despite its grand, ancient-sounding name, the organization is a charitable collective focused on fellowship and mutual aid, governed by complex internal hierarchies and a tradition of secrecy that forbids discussing politics or religion.

The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB) originated in 1822, initially established by actors and stagehands. Its peculiar name is largely decorative; the 'Royal' prefix was adopted in the 1840s, and 'antediluvian'—referring to the era before the biblical flood—was added in the 1850s to project an aura of great antiquity. This branding helped the group navigate the Seditious Meetings Act of 1817 by emphasizing loyalty to the British Crown. Today, the Lord Chamberlain's Office permits the use of 'Royal' solely due to this long-standing historical usage.

The movement is structured like an 'Ancient City,' with local units called Minor Lodges. These lodges are overseen by provincial authorities and grand bodies, such as the Grand Lodge of England, which is the largest order in history. The organization has been defined by frequent schisms; since its inception, an estimated 20,000 lodges have formed as groups split due to internal disagreements. While these factions once competed fiercely, they now largely cooperate. The lodges function as charitable collectives rather than registered friendly societies, relying on voluntary member contributions to support orphans, the sick, and indigent members.

Membership is open to men who are at least 18 years old. Meetings are formal, requiring a shirt and tie, and are governed by strict rituals, including the wearing of chain collar regalia and jewels. The process of advancement involves four degrees of learning, a journey that can take a decade to complete. Meetings typically conclude with 'harmony,' where members share songs or jokes. While the order once had strong ties to specific professions—ranging from theatre and the legal field to the military and coal mining—these connections have largely faded, leaving the Buffaloes as a enduring, if eccentric, fraternal tradition.

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