Remembering the Stamford Hospital




November 2018 marks 100 years since the end of the First World War. During the war, Dunham Massey became the Stamford Military Hospital and opened its doors to wounded soldiers between 24 April 1917 and 24 January 1919.
The Saloon was transformed into a hospital ward known as Bagdad (sic) ward complete with 25 beds. The Great Hall became the recreation room, a place for the soldiers to relax with music on the gramophone and the chance to play the piano, cards or board games as well as read, draw and write letters or poetry. The Billiard Room became the nurses’ station and the area at the bottom of the Grand Staircase became an operating theatre.
" I am writing this letter to express my Gratitude for allowing me to remain in your House as I have got exceedingly well since I have been Here by myself, and I have been well looked after and I feel as well as I have ever been."
By the time peace was declared, 282 ‘tommies’ had been treated at the Stamford Hospital. They came from all over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland with nine soldiers also coming from the Canadian regiments. The shortest stay was seven days and the longest, ten months.
Join us for special events this autumn to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War and remember Dunham Massey as the Stamford Military Hospital.

" …You nurses must have had a busy day’ said one of the men. He was right. It was more like lifting the screen of war from this beautiful old house that seemed to breathe peace from its walls… "