Open/Close Toolbox
Format: Collection
Linked To
CollectionOrganisationImage
Map
no geotags or polygons yet
Menu
‘United to Assist’: the Druids of Selwyn
Description
Name‘United to Assist’: the Druids of Selwyn 
Alternative NameUnited Ancient Order of DruidsDescriptionThis unusual collection of items speaks to a time when stories of ancient Celtic druids inspired a movement with community wellbeing at its heart.
The United Ancient Order of Druids was one of several voluntary ‘friendly societies’ active in Waikirikiri Selwyn in the late 19th – mid - 20th centuries. With lodges in Lincoln, Springston, Doyleston, and Southbridge, the Druids were integral to the early social life of Selwyn communities, regularly organising events such as parades and dances. In a time before state-funded social welfare, they also played an important role in supporting members and their families with benefits not otherwise available, including sick pay, medical visits and prescriptions, and funeral cover.
The Druids’ unusual regalia, which included long robes and horsehair beards, was mostly saved for ceremonial occasions or public events, where alongside oak trees and acorns, it symbolised their unique identity.
United to Assist. - Motto of the United Ancient Order of Druids
On display in stairwell case level one Te Ara Ātea:
Druids’ beard, acorn gavel, wooden acorn, and memento from France.
On loan from the Ethelbert Lodge, No.4 U.A.O.D, Springston Collection. Lincoln and Districts Historical Society.DateAugust 2026
Alternative NameUnited Ancient Order of DruidsDescriptionThis unusual collection of items speaks to a time when stories of ancient Celtic druids inspired a movement with community wellbeing at its heart.The United Ancient Order of Druids was one of several voluntary ‘friendly societies’ active in Waikirikiri Selwyn in the late 19th – mid - 20th centuries. With lodges in Lincoln, Springston, Doyleston, and Southbridge, the Druids were integral to the early social life of Selwyn communities, regularly organising events such as parades and dances. In a time before state-funded social welfare, they also played an important role in supporting members and their families with benefits not otherwise available, including sick pay, medical visits and prescriptions, and funeral cover.
The Druids’ unusual regalia, which included long robes and horsehair beards, was mostly saved for ceremonial occasions or public events, where alongside oak trees and acorns, it symbolised their unique identity.
United to Assist. - Motto of the United Ancient Order of Druids
On display in stairwell case level one Te Ara Ātea:
Druids’ beard, acorn gavel, wooden acorn, and memento from France.
On loan from the Ethelbert Lodge, No.4 U.A.O.D, Springston Collection. Lincoln and Districts Historical Society.
DateAugust 2026Connections
Attribution
Researched ByNoah RobertsonWritten ByNoah RobertsonDate WrittenBetween 1st January 2026 and 1st August 2026
Written ByNoah RobertsonDate WrittenBetween 1st January 2026 and 1st August 2026loading google map....
‘United to Assist’: the Druids of Selwyn (August 2026). Selwyn Stories, accessed 01/09/2026, https://selwynstories.selwynlibraries.co.nz/nodes/view/7153