NETLEY HOSPITAL, NETLEY

Detailed Information
Compiled and copyright ©Martin Edwards 2009

The Royal Victoria Military Hospital, or Netley Hospital, was a large military hospital in Netley, Hampshire, England. Construction started in 1856 at the suggestion of Queen Victoria but its design caused some controversy, chiefly from Florence Nightingale. Often visited by Queen Victoria, the hospital was extensively used during the First World War. It became the 28th US General Hospital from 1944 to 1945 during the Invasion of Europe. The buildings were entirely demolished in 1966 except for the chapel, which remains today. The site of the hospital can be seen and explored in Royal Victoria Country Park.

The hospital was situated within the larger area of land bounded by the River Itchen and River Hamble, particularly around Sholing that had become known locally as Spike Island. That term was subsequently used by wounded soldiers and prisoners of war to describe the location of the hospital.

[For further details see Wikipedia - Netley Hospital]

Last updated 7 August, 2009