Ceremonial Sash

This embroidered silk sash depicting Stonehenge alongside Christian and Druid symbols dates from the 19th century. It was made for a member of the United Order of Ancient Druids, an offshoot from the original Ancient Order of Druids, which had been founded in London in 1781. These organisations were non-religious friendly societies that based their iconography and principles on the ancient Druids; justice, benevolence and friendship. At that time, the Druids were widely thought to have been responsible for building Stonehenge, Avebury and other prehistoric monuments.The United Ancient Order of Druids had 330 lodges across England and Wales by 1846. This sash shows that the different fraternal groups had elaborate costumes and ceremonies. From 1905 some Druid societies began to hold initiation rites at Stonehenge. These groups were influential in the later development of the Neo-druidic religious movement, the basis of many Neopagan religions celebrated at Stonehenge and Avebury today. Caption: Susan Greaney (English Heritage)