| Variations of Name | The Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity Friendly Society Limited |
| Biography | In 1810, members of the Oddfellows in Manchester area became dissatisfied with the way the United Order was being run by the 'Original Oddfellows' and broke away to form an independent Order with the title 'Manchester Unity'.
With their improved organisation and rules, they encouraged many other Lodges across the country to leave the old Grand United Order and join the Independent Order under the 'Manchester Compliance'. It was the Manchester Unity which was to become the Oddfellows of today.
Oddfellows subsequently introduced a number of novel benefits for members. These included the Travel Warrant, which allowed members seeking work to stay overnight in an Oddfellows Hall, anywhere in the country, free of charge. |