They say that 'nostalgia' is 'a thing of the past' - but the way we came about and the personalities who helped shape the 'character' of our Order makes fascinating reading.

The first known photograph of the founder members of the Water Rats, taken in 1890. To enlarge click here

The First Water Rats

How did The Water Rats Begin?

Read about the history of The Rats written by Past King Rat Charlie Chester for his book "The Grand Order of Water Rats - A Legend of laughter". Read

Harry Freeman was Water Rat 001 and our first King Rat. Read

The First Water Rat

King Rat Dan Leno

Dan Leno was, almost, one of our founder members. He joined in 1890 and was King Rat three times in 1891, 1892 and 1897. Read