Featured articles from #BeyondTheTracks200
Supporting railway families
Sep 4, 2025, 14:51
by
User Not Found
In the 19th and 20th centuries, life working on the railways was dangerous. The Railway Benevolent Institution, known today as the Railway Benefit Fund, was founded in 1858 to support for the families of railway workers who were widowed and orphaned due to the dangerous nature of the railway at the time.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, life on the railways was extremely dangerous, with a high number of fatalities and injuries.
And while people employed as rail workers took their lives in their hands, this also put their families’ lives and stability at risk.
Clusters of community-led support
To address this, clusters of community-led support sprung up across the country.
One significant organisation The Railway Benevolent Institution (RBI). Founded in London in 1858, the RBI was set-up to provide funding for the families of rail workers who were injured or killed at work.
A few years later, in 1875 Derby, an orphanage was built to provide a home for railway orphans. In an era before comprehensive state welfare, the orphanage offered a degree of stability, shelter, and basic care that was not available for workers in many other industries.
The two organisations merged in 1881, bringing together two key elements of support for railway workers as the Railway Benevolent Institution. This milestone was formally recognised in 1949 through a Royal Charter, signalling the stability and permanence of the RBI in the eyes of the public, donors and the rail industry.
The RBF today: continuing to support families
Today, the RBI is known as the RBF – the Railway Benefit Fund.
To better serve the entire railway family, the RBF has expanded its support network to include current, former, retired rail workers, ancillary staff, and the wider supply chain. Its support extends beyond passenger rail, encompassing the entire railway ecosystem.
This means more individuals can have access to the critical services offered by the RBF, from free will-writing and estate planning to financial advice and support, ensuring the stability and wellbeing for rail workers now and in the future.
Latest from #BeyondTheTracks200
Supporting railway families
Sep 4, 2025, 14:51
by
User Not Found
In the 19th and 20th centuries, life working on the railways was dangerous. The Railway Benevolent Institution, known today as the Railway Benefit Fund, was founded in 1858 to support for the families of railway workers who were widowed and orphaned due to the dangerous nature of the railway at the time.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, life on the railways was extremely dangerous, with a high number of fatalities and injuries.
And while people employed as rail workers took their lives in their hands, this also put their families’ lives and stability at risk.
Clusters of community-led support
To address this, clusters of community-led support sprung up across the country.
One significant organisation The Railway Benevolent Institution (RBI). Founded in London in 1858, the RBI was set-up to provide funding for the families of rail workers who were injured or killed at work.
A few years later, in 1875 Derby, an orphanage was built to provide a home for railway orphans. In an era before comprehensive state welfare, the orphanage offered a degree of stability, shelter, and basic care that was not available for workers in many other industries.
The two organisations merged in 1881, bringing together two key elements of support for railway workers as the Railway Benevolent Institution. This milestone was formally recognised in 1949 through a Royal Charter, signalling the stability and permanence of the RBI in the eyes of the public, donors and the rail industry.
The RBF today: continuing to support families
Today, the RBI is known as the RBF – the Railway Benefit Fund.
To better serve the entire railway family, the RBF has expanded its support network to include current, former, retired rail workers, ancillary staff, and the wider supply chain. Its support extends beyond passenger rail, encompassing the entire railway ecosystem.
This means more individuals can have access to the critical services offered by the RBF, from free will-writing and estate planning to financial advice and support, ensuring the stability and wellbeing for rail workers now and in the future.
#BeyondTheTracks200 partners
Bringing together the rail organisations delivering services and support to communities across the UK.
POWERED BY
