The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners

The Ancient Order of Free Gardeners is believed to have been formed in Scotland in the 17th century as a benefit society and from there it spread first to Northern England and then to Wales.

The movement originally consisted of independent lodges but attempts were made at forming a central administration and a Grand Lodge appeared in the 1840s with subordinate provincial Grand Lodges and private lodges. The Pembrokeshire lodge resided here at the purpose built Free Gardeners Hall and was known as the "Tulip" lodge.

The Hall hosted many dances and travelling cinema shows along with concerts and shows and was an integral part of the community up until 1967 when the Hall was converted into living accomodation.

The Free Gardeners are mentioned in the Lord of the Rings

"The one small garden of a Free Gardener was all his need and due, not a garden swollen to a realm; his own hands to use, not the hands of others to command."

Samwise Gamgee, The Lord of the Rings, Part III, p. 206.