Benenden, later known as the Civil Service Sanatorium Society was founded in 1905 by Charles Garland. Originally it was to serve the purpose of providing employees suffering from tuberculosis with medical treatment and rehabilitation if required. In 1923, membership was permitted for all employees. It also provided financial assistance in times of illness if required. In 1907 it opened its doors and in 1916 its name was changed to Post Office Sanatorium Society. Later it became known as the Civil Service Sanatorium Society in 1939. Wives were not initially permitted to become members, although this was to change in 1943. In 1969 it again changed its name to Post Office and Civil Service Sanatorium Society. Now known again as Benenden, it serves as a charitable trust offering private healthcare.