Midlothian's 100 Objects - The Penicuik Order of Buffaloes

This is a certificate which belonged to the Order of Buffaloes, Royal Penicuik Lodge, No. 5373.
A certificate for the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, Royal Penicuik Lodge, No. 5373. Photo: Penicuik Historical Society/scranA certificate for the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, Royal Penicuik Lodge, No. 5373. Photo: Penicuik Historical Society/scran
A certificate for the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, Royal Penicuik Lodge, No. 5373. Photo: Penicuik Historical Society/scran

Little is known of the Penicuik Lodge of Buffaloes. They were not a member of the local ‘United Friendly Societies’ organisation in Penicuik, despite the benevolent aspects of Buffaloism, and their history does not appear to have been recorded.

Although the text of this certificate is dominated by its reference to the Grand Lodge of England, ties to lodges worldwide (Europe, Asia, Africa and America) are also noted.

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William Shakespeare is claimed by Buffaloism through the Order’s early link to travelling players. The text reads ‘In things essential unity, in things doubtful liberty, and in all things charity’ at the bottom of the certificate.

The roots of Buffaloism are traced to the time of George IV. Initially founded by travelling players in England to benefit their brethren, its modern roots lie with the Bull Organisation.

Photo: Penicuik Historical Society/Scran

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