Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution (RMBI) developed from funds providing regular financial support for older Freemasons and female relatives. Its history includes both annuities and residential care. The present care provider, RMBI Care Co., supports Freemasons, their families and people from the wider community.[1]
Annuity funds and the Croydon home
The Royal Masonic Benevolent Annuity Fund began in 1842 to support elderly Freemasons. A female fund followed in 1849 for widows, unmarried daughters and sisters of Freemasons. The Museum of Freemasonry dates their merger into the RMBI, and the opening of a home for annuitants in East Croydon, to 1850.[2]
The Builder published the illustrated view and ground plan in 1852. The caption names Samuel Whitfield Daukes as architect; Wellcome Collection attributes the engraving to C. D. Laing. Its historical title uses the word “asylum” for this home for older people.[3]
Expansion and later organisation
The Croydon home transferred to Harewood Court in Hove in 1955. Further homes opened around the country during the later twentieth century.[1]
In 2016, the organisation became the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution Care Company, usually called RMBI Care Co., as part of the reorganisation that created the Masonic Charitable Foundation. Its services include residential care, nursing care and dementia support.[1] See Charitable Support for the wider charitable structure.
Homes and local support
Expansion after the move to Hove brought homes to several English regions and to Wales. RMBI's history dates Devonshire Court at Oadby to 1966, Scarbrough Court at Cramlington to 1967 and Connaught Court at York to 1971. Albert Edward Prince of Wales Court at Porthcawl followed in 1973, and Queen Elizabeth Court at Llandudno in 1979.[1]
Associations of Friends provide a further level of support. RMBI describes these as independent charities run by volunteers, working with individual homes. Their activities include visiting residents, arranging outings and entertainment, and raising funds for facilities such as minibuses. They also maintain connections with local lodges and other organisations.[4]
The Porthcawl home's association was formed in 1974 under the patronage of the Provincial Grand Masters of South Wales, West Wales and Monmouth. Its stated purposes include funding amenities for residents and organising social visits and entertainment.[5]
Historical records
The Museum of Freemasonry's archive includes committee minutes, financial records, registers, photographs and diaries kept by the wardens of the first home. These provide sources for studying its administration and daily operation. The catalogue requires the Museum's permission for access and reproduction.[2]
Related articles
- Royal Masonic School for Girls
- Royal Masonic School for Boys
- Freemasonry in the nineteenth century
- Charitable Support
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 RMBI Care Co., About us, institutional history and description of services. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Museum of Freemasonry, Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution archive collection, AIM25, reference GBR 1991 RMBI. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- ↑ Wellcome Collection, Asylum for Worthy and Decayed Freemasons, Croydon, England: perspective view and floor plan, reference 24541i.
- ↑ RMBI Care Co., Our People, section “The Association of Friends”. Accessed 2 October 2026.
- ↑ Provincial Grand Lodge of South Wales, Association of Friends of the Albert Edward, Prince of Wales Court.
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