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.