The present name derives from the Independent Order of Oddfellows (Manchester Unity), a social and benevolent Society with branches throughout Britain. It was formed in the last century and is said to derive its name from a remark made about the founding members. It is not known what connection there is with the military mounted Regiment known as the Lancers.
This house has a curious record of ownership. First mentioned in 1859 when Josiah Rigby bought a shop and dwellinghouse in Wellington Street from William Rigby of Moore. It was owned in 1870 by Joseph Tarry and in 1880 and 1890 it was the property of Selina Tarry of Fordingbridge in Hampshire. It was sold in 1891 to John Shaw, a foreman mill sawyer, of Port Sunlight who sold it to Alfred Shaw, Clerk, in 1903.
In 1905 it was acquired by Richard Forshaw of Collins Green Brewery, Burtonwood and it was then described as a beerhouse known as the Oddfellows Arms. It was sold to Greenall Whitley &Co. in 1924. In the last century it was known as the Lancers.
It was given a full Licence in 1962 and closed in the mid 1970s.
