The concept of a “Commonwealth of Nations” was first suggested in 1884 by Lord Rosebery, whilst in Australia.. 

Soon after (1901), the idea which led to the birth of the Victoria League for Commonwealth Friendship was first expressed in South Africa, when two members of the Guild of Loyal Women were discussing the Boer War.  

One said to the other, “I am so weary of the bitterness of this war.  Why can’t we have a Society for Friendship?”

The wheels were set in motion, and a meeting was convened in 10 Downing Street, at which it was agreed to form an organisation to promote a closer union between the different parts of the British Empire.  

The purpose was defined as providing an interchange of information and hospitality between people from different countries in the Empire and by fostering friendly understanding and good fellowship.  The name Victoria League was chosen in memory of the late Queen who had died that year.  

The earliest request for help came from South Africa for help in tending war graves and for fund-raising to alleviate distress among British refugees and for extra comforts for Boer women and children in the detention camps.

As things evolved, the work of the League became more defined in its dual objectives of hospitality and education, including essay competitions, the supply of books to people living isolated lives in far away places.  

With the beginning of World War One, the League provided support and hospitality for the armed forces from Commonwealth countries.  Clubs and hostels were opened in London and Edinburgh, with 282,000 beds provided for servicemen on leave.  The League also acted as a distribution centre for gifts from overseas for members of the armed forces.

In World War Two, support from the League increased to over 1m beds and 4m meals for Commonwealth servicemen.  By 1946 more than a million food parcels had been sent to Britain by overseas branches of the League.

It was not until 1949 that the British Commonwealth was officially born.  During its first two decades, it was administered by the British Government.  

In 1965, the Commonwealth of Nations gained its own independent status with the creation of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Another aspect of the League’s work had also evolved.  In 1927, it had started to organise welfare work for students from Malaysia and other Commonwealth countries.  This included placing children in schools and the care of babies whose parents were in the UK for study purposes.

Today Student House is still run by the League for 60 students from all parts of the Commonwealth, providing safe accommodation at moderate rates, recreational facilities and social activities to make them feel at home.  

A charity called HOST was also formed to arrange weekends for students to stay with families in the UK, especially at Christmas.

The Victoria League is a member of the Joint Commonwealth Societies’ Council and participates in the observance of Commonwealth Day.

There are currently eight branches in the UK today and about twenty three branches throughout the Commonwealth (Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Papua New Guinea) with affiliated organisations in the USA and Canada.

The League has a corporate membership with the Royal Overseas League and the New Cavendish Club, which entitles members to use their club facilities in London and Scotland.  Each offers restaurant and other facilities and overnight accommodation.

The aim of the League remains that of welcoming and helping all members and visitors from Commonwealth countries, including the chance to meet British people and entertain them during their stay.