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( This text was taken from - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. )
The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes is a social and benevolent fraternal organisation open to men. Its aim is to aid members in need and their families, and the families of deceased members as well as to support other charitable groups.
The first lodge was founded in London in 1822. It was founded by staff from the Theatre Royal who had been denied membership of another Order known as the City of Lushington. Previously everyone working in the theatre was allowed access to the latter Order however at some point in the early 19th century membership was restricted so that only people who actually appeared on stage could become members, thus excluding backstage staff. It is unknown why they chose the name of the Order.
The Order has never received a Royal charter, even though for many years it has been known as the Royal Antediluvian Order. It is thought that the Order had been given the title "Loyal" towards the end of the 19th century when questions started arising concerning a great number of private societies and clubs, and that the title became "Royal" over time. The Order was, however, allowed to register itself under the Royal Warrant Act in the early 20th century because it had already been using the title "Royal".
It is thought that there was some cross-development of the Order with Freemasonry traditions as there are some similarities with Masonic rites and modes of conduct.
There are four levels of membership within the organisation
While administratively the organisation operates in three tiers