FREEMASONS were among the many who got behind Barnsley’s brave boys who went off to fight the First World War a century ago.
Historian Jane Ainsworth has been exploring the link between Barnsley’s Friendly Lodge and the Barnsley Pals, after the modern-day lodge made a donation of £200 towards a project Jane is organising to create replicas of the Pals’ regimental colours.
Jane, of Victoria Road, Barnsley, was invited by Barrie Cooper, charity steward, to visit the Masonic Hall in Eastgate to be formally presented with the cheque.
“I became interested in learning more about Freemasonry while carrying out research for my second book, Keeping their Beacons Alight,” said Jane, who has written the book about the Potter family which included four sons who fought in the war.
“Ian Potter told me about quite a few of his relations being members, mainly of Friendly Lodge 1513, which is the oldest Lodge in Barnsley.
“Freemasonry had started in Barnsley in 1777 at the Cock Inn, Shambles Street, but then relocated outside the town.
“An earlier Friendly Lodge of 1816 went through various changes until the present one was established in 1874 as the Mother Lodge.
“Brethren met at the King’s Head Hotel until the Eastgate premises were purchased in 1886.
“Membership of the Freemasonry increased dramatically following the two World Wars, with many new lodges founded by former servicemen who wanted to continue the camaraderie they had built up during their war service and were looking for a calm centre in a greatly changed and changing world.”
Friendly Lodge displays a beautiful framed and hand painted First World War Roll of Honour in pride of place above the door to the temple.
“As there were various links between Freemasonry and the First World War, I contacted Barrie to see whether Friendly Lodge might be interested in continuing its association with the Barnsley Pals a century later. Several Officers of the Second Barnsley Pals (14th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment) had been brethren.
“Friendly Lodge was keen to support the Second Barnsley Battalion and members donated the essential instruments for a drum and bugle band the photograph of officers with about seven drums and nine bugles was reproduced in Jon Cooksey’s Barnsley Pals.
“As yet I have not come across a photograph of the 14 YLR Band itself with the instruments. Councillor Charles Plumpton, JP, whose sword was featured recently in the Barnsley Chronicle, had paid for the brass band instruments for the First Barnsley Battalion.
“I discovered from my research using the war diaries for both battalions that when the 14th Battalion was disbanded in February 1918, the regimental band transferred to the 7th West Yorkshire Regiment.
“The commanding officer gave an undertaking to return the instruments after the war to the Mayor of Barnsley because they belonged to the town of Barnsley.
“However, I have not been able to find out whether this actually happened or, if so, where they might be now. I am curious as to why the two battalions had different bands and I also would like to know what happened to the instruments for both battalions after the war. If anyone can shed any light on these subjects please get in touch.”
Jane remains on the lookout for descendents of Barnsley soldier and boxer Charlie ‘Chuck’ Murdock. Call 734296 if you can help.
