Supporting Veterans Since 1919
WHERE WE STARTED
From the battlefields of the First World War, many soldiers left to find they were now fighting a personal battle against tuberculosis. In 1919, we began helping thousands of the 55,000 soldiers who were discharged from the service with tuberculosis.
WHERE WE STARTED
From the battlefields of the First World War, many soldiers left to find they were now fighting a personal battle against tuberculosis. In 1919, we began helping thousands of the 55,000 soldiers who were discharged from the service with tuberculosis.
ACCOMMODATION FOR EX-SERVICE
In 1920, Industrial Settlements Incorporated purchased Preston Hall which was home to 240 ex-servicemen and women. This was the start of a Village ideology where healthcare, training and employment was provided.
In 1920 Preston Hall is recognised as the leading national centre of TB care.
HRH Edward Prince of Wales visits
HRH Edward Prince of Wales visited the Aylesford settlement, taking a great interest in the activities before becoming patron.
HRH Edward Prince of Wales visits
HRH Edward Prince of Wales visited the Aylesford settlement, taking a great interest in the activities before becoming patron.
Supporting veterans and their dependants
The total number of patients, settlers and dependants at the Preston Hall site rises to 1,641
Supporting veterans and their dependants
The total number of patients, settlers and dependants at the Preston Hall site rises to 1,641
NAME CHANGED TO BRITISH LEGION INDUSTRIES
Shortly after the end of the Second World War our name was changed to British Legion Industries (Preston Hall) Incorporated. Although now a separate charity the Royal British Legion – with separate finances and governance – we share an ethos of supporting the Armed Forces community.
NAME CHANGED TO BRITISH LEGION INDUSTRIES
Shortly after the end of the Second World War our name was changed to British Legion Industries (Preston Hall) Incorporated. Although now a separate charity the Royal British Legion – with separate finances and governance – we share an ethos of supporting the Armed Forces community.
Signs department opened
The factory launches cutting edge reflective signs department – with 136 disabled employees
Signs department opened
The factory launches cutting edge reflective signs department – with 136 disabled employees
Name changed to Royal British Legion Industries
The Queen bestowed the Royal prefix on the charity. New housing blocks and the present factory were built over the following three years.
Name changed to Royal British Legion Industries
The Queen bestowed the Royal prefix on the charity. New housing blocks and the present factory were built over the following three years.
THE QUEEN VISITS
In December 1975 the Village was visited by the Queen Elizabeth II who was hugely impressed. Local school children were given time off to come along to see the Queen during her visit.
THE QUEEN VISITS
In December 1975 the Village was visited by the Queen Elizabeth II who was hugely impressed. Local school children were given time off to come along to see the Queen during her visit.
RANGE OF ACCOMMODATION BUILT FOR EX-SERVICE
A range of accommodation was built during this time period including Mountbatten Pavillion, Gavin Astor House and Prince Philip Lodge.
Queen Elizabeth Court is opened
Queen Elizabeth Court provides assisted living for people who have served in the Armed Forces, and their spouses, aged over 55.
Queen Elizabeth Court is opened
Queen Elizabeth Court provides assisted living for people who have served in the Armed Forces, and their spouses, aged over 55.
LIFEWORKS BEGINS
In the early 2000’s we began our LifeWorks courses, providing employment support to Veterans across the UK. This has since expanded, and we now also deliver courses abroad and to the families of serving personnel.
LIFEWORKS BEGINS
In the early 2000’s we began our LifeWorks courses, providing employment support to Veterans across the UK. This has since expanded, and we now also deliver courses abroad and to the families of serving personnel.
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
In 2013, RBLI was awarded National Charity Times Awards Charity of the Year. At this point, we had been providing training, employment and support to the Armed Forces community and disabled people for 94 years.
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
In 2013, RBLI was awarded National Charity Times Awards Charity of the Year. At this point, we had been providing training, employment and support to the Armed Forces community and disabled people for 94 years.
LAUNCH OF BRITAIN’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING CO.
In 2016, we re-launched our social enterprise as Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC). Today it provides employment for a team of over 100, 70% of whom are either ex-service or have a disability/health condition.
LAUNCH OF BRITAIN’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING CO.
In 2016, we re-launched our social enterprise as Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC). Today it provides employment for a team of over 100, 70% of whom are either ex-service or have a disability/health condition.
Centenary Village
The first facility in RBLI’s Centenary Village – 24 specially adapted apartments – is officially opened by the former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon KCB
Centenary Village
The first facility in RBLI’s Centenary Village – 24 specially adapted apartments – is officially opened by the former Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon KCB
LifeWorks reaches 1000 veterans
RBLI’s LifeWorks programme reaches over 1000 Armed Forces Veterans nationwide.
LifeWorks reaches 1000 veterans
RBLI’s LifeWorks programme reaches over 1000 Armed Forces Veterans nationwide.
Launch of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Co.
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company was opened by Scotland’s First Minister, The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP on 17th June 2019.
Launch of Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Co.
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company was opened by Scotland’s First Minister, The Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP on 17th June 2019.
THE QUEEN VISITS TO MARK OUR CENTENARY
On 6th November 2019 Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new Appleton Lodge care facility and visited the Centenary Village housing project.
THE QUEEN VISITS TO MARK OUR CENTENARY
On 6th November 2019 Her Majesty The Queen officially opened the new Appleton Lodge care facility and visited the Centenary Village housing project.
