Ryde Architecture
THE ODDFELLOWS HALL
High Street, Ryde
An earlier view
The meeting place of the Order of Oddfellows, erected in 1881, the architect was Mr. Thomas Dashwood and the builder Mr. Isaac Barton.
Mr. Alfred Brannon was one of 23 people who, in February 1845 opened the Loyal Medina Lodge of Oddfellows. For many years they came together at various venues. It is listed that the Ryde Order met at the Crown Hotel for a while, and in February 1854 they were celebrating their 9th anniversary at their lodge room in the Star Inn. There was also a beer-house at 114 High Street, called The Oddfellows Arms, which the Order probably used. Not much is known about that premises and the license was removed in 1905.
The roots of the Oddfellows go back way beyond those of other organisations. The concept of mutual support spread widely with the legionnaires of the Roman army – including to Britain. The first Lodge of Oddfellows was said to have been established in 100AD. The earliest Guild in England can be traced back to the 8th century.
From the 14th century onwards members of the Oddfellows have been subjected to persecution, usually from the fear that ordinary people joining together to better their lives might also band together to organise themselves against injustice and oppression.
Throughout the 20th and 21st century the group concentrate on encouraging people to take an active part in Branch activities and to provide support and care for older and infirm members and to enjoy the social side of life, but also support each other in times of need.
Note: The Oddfellows regularly welcomed other organisations to hold a variety of activities on their premises, from a long list dating from when they first had the building, several mentioned were: an entertainment in aid of the funds of All Saints’ Football was held January 1899; a Fancy Dress Dance was held in 1919.
Sources: RSHG Archive, IW Observer
Images: Roy Brinton Collection
Article: Ann Barrett