An introduction to Friendly Society Records
by Roger Logan [FFHS]

Describes the background to friendly societies which mainly flourished during the nineteenth century and declined dramatically following the introduction of the welfare state in 1948. This is an under-used source currently and there is no comprehensive systematic listing of Friendly Society archives. However, the author suggests that one listing to try is the computerised National Register of Archives, held by the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, although much material is believed to be held in local record offices, often unclassified. (CMBH - Dec 2000)