our history
a brave past
Gavin Astor House is situated in the picturesque village of Aylesford, Kent, referred to as “Garden of England”. Gavin Astor House Est.1994 is set amidst landscaped gardens in Royal British Legion Industries Village. Since then it has established itself as one of the leading providers of 24-hour care, specialist support, including: permanent, holiday stay and respite (short-stay care).
In a glowing review by the Care Quality Commission the 25-year-old home, which is named after revered solider and inheritor of Kent’s Hever castle, was deemed to be good across all areas of care.
Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), was established in 1919 to help soldiers returning from World War One, RBLI have a proud heritage as a military charity, with an expertise in supporting those Veterans who are wounded, injured and sick.
Growth of RBLI
Divisions of RBLI
-RBLI Living-
Gavin Astor House
Queen Elizabeth Court
Veteran’s Housing
Mountbatten Pavilion
Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company
LifeWorks
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company
RBLI – Skills & Training
royal british legion industries (RBLI) timeline
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.
1920s
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.
1946
NAME CHANGED TO BRITISH LEGION INDUSTRIES
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.
1970s
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.
1980s-90s
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.
1994
GAVIN ASTOR HOUSE OPENS!
Gavin Astor House opens it’s doors as a care home provider. 25 years on Gavin Astor House has established itself as one of the leading providers of 24-hour care, specialist support, including: permanent, holiday stay and respite (short-stay care).
2011
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.
2013
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.
2016
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.
2019
RBLI TURNS 100
This year, Royal British Legion Industries is celebrating its 100th year of offering this crucial support to those most in need.
We want to continue to build our basis of care – a place those with nowhere else turn can call home – established for another 100 years to come.
CONNECT WITH US
Gavin Astor House is a division of Royal British Legion Industries
Gavin Astor House © 2019 - All Rights Reserved
QUICK LINKS
CONTACT US
01622 791056
Gavin Astor House, Royal British Legion Industries Village, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NF
CONNECT WITH US
Gavin Astor House is a division of Royal British Legion Industries
Gavin Astor House © 2019 - All Rights Reserved
QUICK LINKS
CONTACT US
01622 791056
Gavin Astor House, Royal British Legion Industries Village, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NF
