What were friendly societies?
Ms Vyst replies: mutual benefit societies have existed in the British Isles from medieval times in the form of guilds or incorporations in burghs, but these were restricted by and large to burgesses. In the 17th century friendly societies began to be set up, which allowed others to save money towards the costs of burial, pensions for dependants and loss of earnings through sickness, infirmity or old age. The Registration of Friendly Societies Act 1793 (33 Geo. III, c.54) led to a big increase in the number of societies, but many folded in the 1820s, when increasing age of the membership put severe pressure on funds, which had stagnated because of under-subscription or because subscription rates had not kept pace with inflation. Sounds horribly familiar, doesn’t it! The more fortunate societies survived the recession. The Friendly Societies Act 1855 (18 & 19 Vict., c.63) established the Registrar of Friendly Societies, and led to another increase in the number and financial power of soc
