Origin from 1964
The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) is a Neo-Druidic order based in England that has grown into a druid organisation with members in all parts of the world. It was founded in 1964 as a split from the Ancient Druid Order (The Druid Order), with Ross Nichols as its founding leader. This description is adapted from Wikipedia contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; changes were made. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
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. 2 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. 2 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. 3 Membership Figure As Of Basis of the Membership Figure Classification
ActivityWorship and Religious Practice 3 Origins
Origin Period FoundedSourced to the subject's own accountReconstituted 1964, England, from the earlier Ancient Druid Order lineage. 2 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. 2 Connections
Belongs to Tradition
Source Wikipedia, "Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids"Wikipedia contributors
Founded By
Source Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (Wikipedia)
Present in Region
OBOD is a Neo-Druidic order based in England, founded there in 1964, though it has since grown members worldwide.
Source Wikipedia, "Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids"Wikipedia contributors
Sources
1. Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationLead section
The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids or OBOD is a Neo-Druidic order based in England. It has grown to become a dynamic druid organisation, with members in all parts of the world.
Infobox, formation field
1964, split from The Druid Order
Infobox, founder field
Ross Nichols, later refounded by Philip Carr-Gomm
View the Source 2. Wikipedia, "Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids"
Wikipedia contributors, WikipediaWikipedia: Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids, Background section, registration status
OBOD is registered as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) in the United Kingdom.
- Present in Region: England
View the Source 3. Liz Williams, "Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids Appoints New Chosen Chief," The Wild Hunt, 2018
Liz Williams, The Wild HuntWild Hunt article on the new chosen chief, on OBOD size
Today OBOD is the largest Druid order in the world, with over twenty thousand members in fifty countries.
Introduction, activity
is a Neo-Druidic order based in England.
View the Source Cite this page as it read on 08/30/2026 03:39:14 PM: /cite/76
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