Union Societies in Rotherham

Another development in 19th Century Rotherham was the Union Society. I have found some basic information about one that existed in Rotherham but there were probably others. The Franklin Union Society was established on 28 January 1833, a society of 60 contributors who met on the first Friday of every month. Members had to be :-

  • Aged 18–34
  • Of good reputation
  • Pursuing a profession or trade for their livelihood
  • Of well-known, industrious and frugal habits
  • Free from natural infirmities.

These men paid 1/6d per month. Men aged 34–40 payed a larger weekly sum. Benefits paid out to members included sick pay, death benefits and a small widows' allowance. Those were the days before government benefits and if this union society was anything to go by, they cherry-picked their members very carefully.

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