The History of Royal Haslar Hospital, Gosport
For over 250 years the Royal Haslar Hospital has provided medical care to the Royal Navy and, more recently, to all three Services and civilians.
Planning for the hospital commenced in 1745, after submissions to King George ll and Haslar was to be one of three proposed hospitals to provide hospital care for Sailors of the Fleet. Construction took 16 years and was completed in 1762, but due to over expenditure, the fourth side was not completed.
The first decades at Haslar featured drunkenness and petty scandal amongst both staff and patients. What’s more, as the patients were “pressed men,” they escaped from Haslar in large numbers, necessitating a guard of soldiers from Fort Monckton. So Haslar at this time resembled a prison more than a hospital.
Soon the hospital buildings became crowded, discharged pensioner sailors lived in the attics, staff and their families also shared the main building. Following various Admiralty inspections in the late 18th century the hospital underwent many changes and patient care improved.
During the 19th century many Army casualties from both the Peninsular and Crimean wars were treated at Haslar. Such was the fine treatment given by Haslar to the Army that the hospital was held as a shining light to Nursing by the Army.
In the 20th century Haslar continued to grow in professional and technological ability in the treatment of its patients. In celebrating the many years of The Royal Hospital Haslar, we remember those who both designed and built the hospital from bricks made of local clay and those who have served in the hospital throughout the centuries. There were also the patients, who benefited from a vision of the Admiralty, causing the Royal Hospital Haslar to be built.
As part of Heritage Open Days there will be tours discussing the Hospital’s history and the current-day development and the future roles this special heritage site will eventually offer.
Visit 02. Haslar Hospital: Past & Present – Gosport Heritage Open Days to
book your place.
Programmes are out now and BOOKING OPENS ON 20 AUGUST 2022!
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