The Independent United Order of Mechanics was founded in 1757 in Lancashire, England, after a schism with mainstream freemasonry. ‘Mechanics’ in this context has an esoteric meaning, involving an individual’s soul and a divine being.

The order spread internationally, particularly to the Caribbean, North America and the Netherlands. In the UK, its stronghold was in the north of England and the south of Scotland. Over time it split into various different orders.

The Independent United Order of Scottish Mechanics had been formed by 1887 and had lodges (men) and chapters (women) outside Scotland, including in England and the Netherlands. It became a friendly society which could provide benefits to members.

Langholm’s lodge was the ‘Sir Walter Scott Lodge’. The lodge in nearby Newcastleton had a higher profile as it had a hall which was the venue for various types of social events. Langholm hosted the IUOSM’s annual meeting in 1915.