Occult order founded in England sometime before 1884; the H.B. of L. was among the first examples of the occult correspondence school. Candidates for membership who responded to its advertising or were recommended by a member would be requested to send a photograph and an astrological birth chart; upon acceptance, the new member would be placed in contact with a mentor, who would send out a series of manuscripts in exchange for fees and a pledge of secrecy.

They had a running feud with the Theosophical Society, the major player in contemporary occult circles. Members went on to found the O.T.O., the Brotherhood of Light, and the Church of Light.