The Orange Order in Early Colonial History

Abstract

In September 1835 a Select Committee of the House of Commons appointed to investigate Orange institutions in Britain and the colonies reported that 'New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land appear to be deeply imbued with the system of Orangeism'. As we will see, this was an exaggeration, but the judgement is intriguing since most accounts of the Orange Order in Australia agree that the first lodge was established in Sydney in 1845, and certainly the subsequent history of the movement in New South Wales seems hardly consistent with earlier, widespread support. A close examination of the evidence collected by the Select Committee indicates that two Orange lodges had been formed in the colony by 1833. and that Orangemen were probably present in New South Wales some years before the first lodge. These were soldiers, and their lodges were military ones, which may be why they have been discounted. However they helped to lay the foundation for the civilian institution of 1845. Their activities suggest the extent of Toryism and Protestant sectarianism among the lower classes in the colonies. Note, however, that lodges might also have the character of early trades unions. giving support to sick members. The last letter below shows the importance of lodge associations for the private welfare of the common soldier. This presumably had its effect on the ambiguous attitude of authority figures. both within and outside the army.