Governesses' Benevolent Institution

Governesses' Benevolent Institution (GBI) was a British charity organization, founded in 1849.^[1] It was the first association for governesses in Great Britain. It was dissolved in 2017.

In 1841, the profession of governess was one of few professions open to educated women of the upper or middle class who wished or needed to support themselves. Governess had become a very common profession since the second half of the 18th century.

However, the working conditions were not regulated. There was no education for governesses, salaries were low, and many governesses became destitute when they were no longer able to work. There was a need for an association to address the rights of governesses.

The Governesses' Benevolent Institution founded an education for governesses, created a register for governesses; created a fund for governesses in need of financial assistance, and a retirement home for old governesses – Asylum for Aged Governesses. It was associated with the Queen's College, London, founded in 1848.

In the early 20th century, the profession of governess experienced a rapid decline due to the introduction of a regulated public school system. The GBI therefore changed its name and function to address female teachers in general. The association managed retirement homes for teachers until the early 21st century. It was dissolved in 2017.