Ancient History of Dunfermline Lodge (1715) of Ancient Order Free Gardeners

The Dunfermline Lodge, established around 1715, was one of the earliest and most notable lodges of the Ancient Order of Free Gardeners. The Dunfermline Lodge was distinguished by its unusually large membership and the high social standing of many of its recruits.

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Origins and early purpose

Established around 1715: Historical records indicate that the
Dunfermline Lodge was already functioning by 1716, when its first official record was created.
Distinguished from other lodges: While the older
Haddington Lodge remained composed mainly of working gardeners and local artisans, the Dunfermline Lodge
was more open and less reticent about accepting members from other social classes, particularly the nobility.
Large and influential membership: The lodge began with a substantial membership, with 214 signatures on its first record. It grew quickly, admitting 101 new members in 1721 alone, and counted aristocrats, soldiers, and merchants among its ranks.

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Members and social dynamics

The Dunfermline Lodge

is particularly notable for its membership, which saw a rapid increase in both size and social diversity shortly after its formation.

Early membership:
In its first year, the lodge included a majority of professional gardeners, alongside artisans and two local aristocrats. By 1721, the social makeup had significantly broadened to include a wide range of professions, from butchers to the John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl.

Aristocratic involvement

Many of the aristocrats who joined, such as the Duke of Atholl and John Hay, 4th Marquess of Tweeddale , Lord William Hay were owners of famous gardens. Their involvement in Free Gardening was likely a reflection of their interest in horticulture, which was a fashionable pursuit among the wealthy at the time.

The initiation of aristocrats into the Dunfermline Lodge ended abruptly around 1736 with the creation of the Grand Lodge of Scotland for the Freemasons. This suggests that some members of the elite may have switched their allegiances to the more influential Freemasonry.

The history of the Dunfermline Lodge stands in contrast to the Haddington Lodge , the oldest known Free Gardener fraternity. Unlike Haddington, which was more insular and locally focused, the Dunfermline Lodge welcomed a broader range of members, particularly non-gardeners and the local nobility. Historical records: Luckily, the archives of both the Dunfermline and Haddington lodges have been preserved, providing crucial insight into the origins and evolution of the Free Gardener movement.