Parish Notes
BLACKHILL

Richard Murray Hospital 1914-16

Photo by Lubbock Soldiers and Nurses

Photo by Johnston Soldiers and Nurses

Benfieldside House the home of Richard Murray was used as a VAD hospital from January 20th 1915 until October 1916 (when it closed following a disagreement between the War Office, the Matron and the VAD which consisted mainly of St. John Nurses.)

The following accommodation was originally planned in 1911 8 male, 8 female, 8 cots, 2 convalescent and 1 private but on handing over to the military authorities the capacity was increased from 27 to 48 by packing the wards with extra beds.

It became known as the Richard Murray Hospital used for maternity services, later a Leonard Cheshire Home until its closure in the 1990s.