Explore our 150 year history: from founding to today
We have always been quick to act when needed and simple acts of kindness are threaded throughout our history.
The beginning of the Red Cross
Our history starts with Swiss businessman Henry Dunant’s compassion for people fighting on both sides of a war.
Museum and archives
Information about our collections, which contain a fascinating portrait of our humanitarian work.
Vaccination: a history of saving lives
From smallpox to Covid-19, we've been supporting global vaccination programmes since they started in 1888.
Museum of kindness: 150 years of the British Red Cross
Showcasing stories of people who have helped shape our history, now and from across the years.
The First World War
Browse photos and stories and search for your family's personnel cards to discover what 90,000 Red Cross volunteers did during the war.
The Second World War
We worked at home and abroad to help the sick and wounded, prisoners of war and civilians in need of relief.
Collections catalogue
Explore our museum and open archive collections on our online database.
The stories behind our fascinating history
From hero dogs and Christmas parties, to the royal family and landmines, our stories paint a vivid picture of the past.
Long term support for the British Red Cross
For more than 150 years The British Red Cross has responded to humanitarian emergencies in the UK and around the world. We are there when crisis strikes and remain when the cameras leave, helping communities recover and rebuild for the long term.
Help support our long-term work and ensure help is availble for people in the future. Find out more about making a regular monthly donation or leaving a gift to us in your will.