Gwynfor Jones (Cwmtwrch)

Memorial cards for members of the Morgan family 1891 and 1900; material relating to Court Glan Gwain, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters c1900-1906 including membership card and sash/badge; Total Abstentation pledge 1890; bills 1898 and 1900.

The records relate to members of the Morgan family who belonged to the Ancient Order of Foresters friendly society during the late 19th century and early 20th century. The Morga's belonged to the Court Glan Gwain branch of the Ancient Order of Foresters which met at the Swan Inn Clubroom in Fishguard. The branch was under the Newport Pembrokeshire United District of the order.

Friendly societies with their underlying objective of 'self-help' began to grow in size and importance during the 19th century. They raised money through member subscriptions, fees, fines, donations and interest on capitol for the benefit of members in certain circumstances. The money was used to help with the expense of burial of deceased members and to support the bereaved, to assist sick members unable to work, to provide medical attendance and medicine and in general to provide temporary help to members in distressed circumstances. Sometimes loans were given to members to enable them to purchase houses.

The Ancient Order of Foresters arose out of a secessionist movement from the Royal Order of Foresters. The Royal Order of Foresters had been growing in numbers from about 1813 onwards with its centre in Leeds. However in 1834 the 'Perseverance' (Leeds) Court claimed 'despotic' powers over the other courts of the order. The Ancient Order of Foresters was founded in reaction to this by courts opposing the action. Within three months of its foundation, 294 courts had transferred their allegiance to the Ancient Order of Foresters . By 1860 it had 168,576 members. This had increased to 376,665 members by 1870. The order was run by a 'High Chief Ranger' who presided over an executive council. However there was no fixed headquarters and the seat of government was moved each year with officials usually chosen from the year's locality.

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