Origin from 1964
The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) is a modern Druid order tracing to the eighteenth century English Druid Revival lodge tradition. Ross Nichols reconstituted it as a separate body in 1964 after a leadership dispute within the older Ancient Druid Order. The order teaches through a structured distance learning course organized in three grades, Bard, Ovate and Druid, and grew into one of the largest Druid organizations after Philip Carr-Gomm revived and expanded it from 1988.
Facts
Organisation
Distinguishing FeatureSourced to the subject's own accountTeaching is organized in three sequential grades, Bard, Ovate and Druid, delivered chiefly through a structured correspondence and distance learning course rather than in person initiation alone. 1 Governing BodySourced to the subject's own accountLed by a Chosen Chief; Ross Nichols led until his death in 1975, after which the order was largely dormant until Philip Carr-Gomm's 1988 revival. 1 Trajectory
Membership Over TimeAs of June 2018, OBOD reported over twenty thousand members in fifty countries, describing itself as the largest Druid order in the world. 2 Membership Figure As Of Basis of the Membership Figure Origins
Origin PeriodSourced to the subject's own account FounderSourced to the subject's own accountRoss Nichols, who reconstituted the order in 1964. 1 FoundedSourced to the subject's own accountReconstituted 1964, England, from the earlier Ancient Druid Order lineage. 1 Status
Current StatusSourced to the subject's own accountActive; substantially expanded worldwide membership since Philip Carr-Gomm took over leadership as Chosen Chief in 1988. 1 Cross-Tradition Connections
Sources
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