Hi all

If someone who lived in Bream had been ill and taken to hospital during World War 2 - a civilian not a soldier - where would they likely be taken? I've done a search, but can't seem to narrow it down.

Many thanks again

Hi all

If someone who lived in Bream had been ill and taken to hospital during World War 2 - a civilian not a soldier - where would they likely be taken? I've done a search, but can't seem to narrow it down.

Many thanks again

In order of probability

Lydney

A cottage hospital to serve Lydney and Aylburton was opened in a house in Aylburtonvillage in 1882 by Mary, wife of CharlesBathurst; it was maintained by subscriptions,collections, and the patients' contributions. In1908 it moved to a new building at the top ofGrove Road, north of Lydney town. Thehospital was enlarged between 1935 and 1937by the addition of a maternity wing andout-patient department, given by ViscountBledisloe as a memorial to his first wife, anda new physiotherapy centre was completedin 1963 as a memorial to Viscount Bledisloe.The hospital passed to the local hospitalmanagement board in 1948 (fn. 44) and, as theLydney and District hospital, it remainedopen under the Gloucester district healthauthority in 1990. The authority also ran ahealth centre on the north of Newerne Street.In 1955 a cemetery, managed by Lydney parish council, was opened on the west side ofChurch Road. (fn. 45)

From: 'Lydney', A History of the County of Gloucester: Volume 5: Bledisloe Hundred, St. Briavels Hundred, The Forest of Dean (1996), pp. 46-84. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=23251 Date accessed: 29 October 2013.

Cinderford Dilke

The Dilke Memorial Hospital, Cinderford, opened its doors for the first time in

Gloucester Great Western Road
Gloucester Infirmary Southgate St

A hospital first appeared on the site during the 1914-1918 war and development accelerated in the 1960s.

In 1912 a 149-bed infirmary was started on Great Western Road. Patients were transferred to the new building in 1914. The British Red Cross Society took over the west block for nursing war wounded in 1914 and the east block in 1915. The buildings were completed after the war. In 1930 the infirmary was transferred to the corporation and became known as Gloucester City General Hospital.[1] On the introduction of the National Health Service it was amalgamated with the Gloucestershire Royal Infirmary, which stood in Southgate Street until its demolition in the 1980s to make way for a new building for the Bank of England.

Chepstow and Monmouth

and then a couple of Isolation hospitals like Over http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42309

--
Ἀριστοτέλης A Gloster Boy in the Forest of Dean ><((((*>

Thank you so much, Exactly what I wanted to know.

Lydney Hospital was still a great place to stay in the early 1980s, according to my sister in Coleford so near Bream. After her first child was born in '81, at Gloster, they were moved to Lydney for 4-5 days to "recuperate". Apparently the care was memorable with excellent "home-cooked" meals in rooms akin to a good guesthouse. My younger sister was not impressed a few years later when, after having her first, they were sent home from Gloster the day after baby was born. Like the Dilke, Lydney is still offering Outpatient care, x-rays etc, see:
http://www.friendsoflydneyhospital.org.uk/old-pictures.html

Sadly neither of these Forest hospitals offer midwifery and haven't for many years, hence the number of "true Foresters" being born have reduced significantly since the mid 70s or so(??) as, except for home-births, expectant Forest mothers go to Gloucester Royal opened in 1975 to replace the earlier Hospitals mentioned by Slowhands.

The ever-excellent Forest Prints site has a few old photos of Lydney and Dilke Hospitals.
http://www.forestprints.co.uk/lydney_area.htm
http://www.forestprints.co.uk/cinderford.htm

==================

As an aside, during WW1 Lydney Cottage Hospital was part of the Lydney V.A (Voluntary Aid) Hospital, setup to care for the increasing numbers of war casualties. http://www.angelfire.com/az/garethknight/redcross/lydney.html
About thirty such hospitals were setup in Gloucestershire alone, most across the Severn but there was another at St Briavels. This interesting site contains full details and the following Staff List for St Briavels.
http://www.angelfire.com/az/garethknight/redcross/stbriavels.html

St Briavels VA Hospital Staff in 1915:
Commandant: Mrs Palin
Medical Officer: Dr R. Moyle
Lady Superintendent: Sister Simms
Quartermaster: Miss Edith Hollis
General Duty : Miss E. M. Griffiths, Miss M. Davis, Miss Ashley-Ewer, Mrs A. Vick, Miss M. Whittington, Mrs S. A. Coates, Miss L. Whittington, Mrs E. Moyle, Mrs Averill, Mrs C. Thompson
Probationers and helpers: Miss G. Livesey, Hon. E. Lopes
Cooks: Miss R. Radclyffe, Miss C. Matthews

Thank you so much for the info as always. That's great. I love those prints. I'm going to order some soon. Wondering whether there's a few of mine in the Lydney Girls School photo from 1912 too - though there's no names. Will just have to get one I think and look for a family resemblance. :)

I'm with your sister on the homecooked meals and the rest - though I know other girls who like to be out of hospital on the same day!

xx

There's a photo of the interior of Lydney Town Hall being used as a Red Cross hospital in WW1 at www.sungreen.co.uk/Lydney/RedCross_Hospital.htm.

I had a great aunt who nursed at Lydney Hospital - as a sister I believe - but I've yet to find anyone doing family history who knew her in that capacity. Her name was Lydia Sterrey (nee McLean) but always known as Lil. She was a Londoner but married Frank Sterrey who was a fitter at Lydney Junction. They lived at 23 Forest Road.

Thanks for the link. And really interesting info.

xx

While searching "Lydney" within the excellent Welsh newspapers website I found this report upon the opening of Aylburton's Cottage Hospital, I hope it's of interest. Surprisingly the newspaper quotes a different guest performing the Opening Duties compared to the usually-accurate British History reference quoted earlier in this thread ?

Reported by the Cardiff Times, 14th October 1882.

"LYDNEY.
OPENING OF A COTTAGE HOSPITAL AT AYLBURTON.— On Wednesday afternoon the newly-established cottage hospital was opened at Aylburton by Sir James Campbell, Bart., and not-withstanding the unfavourable weather, there was a numerous gathering of the district gentry. The hospital was brought about through the good offices of Mrs Bathurst, Lydney Park, who in the month of May last addressing a letter to the parishioners of Lydney urging that such an institution might be established, in order that the poor of the district might have the advantage of skilful medical help and experienced nursing. There was a hearty response, and during the interim a large bazaar has been held in its behalf, and funds to carry out the project thus obtained. The opening ceremony included a religious service, conducted by the Rev. J. J. Trollope, vicar of Lydney. Following the interesting event of opening, there was a luncheon at the old mansion, Lydney Park, at which Sir James Campbell presided, and at which some 80 ladies and gentlemen sat down. Sir James, in an interesting speech, gave the toast, "Success to the Cottage Hospital," which was warmly received. — The Rev. J. J. Trollope (vicar of Lydney), Rev. E. Davies (Baptist minister), Dr. Bond, Dr. Waddy (Gloucester), and Dr. LI. Currie, also gave addresses. — At five o'clock there was a tea, followed by an interesting public meeting."

http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3389602/ART33/lydney

That's an excellent reference - thank you.

xx

The same Welsh newspapers site gives another paper's report on the opening of the Cottage Hospital. Published the same day, this shows the British History site was in effect also correct in stating the Hospital was opened "by Mary, wife of Charles Bathurst".

From the Weekly Mail, 14th October 1882,

"AYLBURTON-ON-SEVERN.
THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL,— On Wednesday afternoon an interesting event took place at Aylburton, a contiguous village to Lydney, in the formal opening of a cottage hospital by Sir James Campbell, Bart., on behalf of Mrs Bathurst, of the Park. The institution has been created under the auspices of the last-named lady and Mr Bathurst, who, although invalids, have taken a very deep interest in the matter. The residence of the late Mr Tuckwell, surgeon, has been taken over by the committee, and fitted up under the latest sanitary improvements. There will be a resident surgeon and a trained nurse. With regard to the medical aid, it may be added that both the local and neighbouring members of the faculty have promised their gratuitous help and several of the leading medical gentlemen of Gloucester, with Dr. Waddy, house surgeon of Gloucester Infirmary, have very kindly come forward with their promises of support. There was a special service at half-past one held in the hospital, at which the Vicar of Lydney (the Rev. J.T. Trollope) officiated. Later in the afternoon luncheon was served in the dining-room at the old mansion, Lydney Park, on which occasion some 80 persons were present. Sir James Campbell presided, and there was a numerous company present. Later on there was a tea and public meeting. The hospital will be carried on by subscriptions, and already the parishioners and their friends have provided a substantial fund."

http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3372384/ART192/aylburton

ALSO

From the Weekly Mail, 25th November 1882,
"LYDNEY-ON-SEVERN.
DISTRICT COTTAGE HOSPITAL.— A numerously attended concert was given in the Assembly- rooms, on Tuesday night, on behalf of the District Cottage Hospital. There was some excellent party singing by a glee party from Blakeney. The programe was well sustained."

http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3372438/ART157/lydney%20hospital

From the Cardiff Times, 23th May 1885,
"LYDNEY.
COTTAGE HOSPITAL.— The annual meeting was held on Wednesday, Mr G. B. Keiling presiding. Among others present were Mrs Willisford, Miss Bathurst, and Miss Tarleton (the Park), Mrs Keiling, Mrs Woodruff, Miss Gimblett, Dr Currie, Messrs Joseph Taylor, J. R. Smale, H. P. Turner, G. Clarke, and A. H. Manly, hon. sec. The secretary presented the general financial statement, showing a total income of £171,18s,2&1/4d. The average income per week for the years 1883 and 1884 was £3, whilst the average weekly ex penditure for the same period was £2,17,8d. The chairman made reference to the loss the institution had sustained in the death of Mrs Bathurst, of the Park, who besides acting in the capacity of joint president with Mr Bathurst was also one of the trustees, and served on the general, house, and ladies' visiting committees, as well as being joint hon. treasurer. He stated that he had been requested by the Rev. J. J. James, Highfield, to move the following resolution — "That this meeting pledges itself to do its utmost, both in its general and individual capacity, to maintain so valuable an institution, in addition to which it would prove of all things the most appropriate and truest memorial of its founder. Mrs Willsford having seconded the resolution, it was carried unanimously. Mr H. P. Turner proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which Mr Taylor seconded, and the meeting terminated."

http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3422662/ART245/lydney%20hospital

As reported by the Cardiff Times, 1st August 1891.

"FATAL FALL FROM A HAYRICK
Mr M. F. Carter, coroner for the Dean division of Gloucestershire, attended at The Globe Inn, Aylburton, and held an inquest on Monday morning touching the death of Wíliam Cox. — Sarah Elizabeth Barker, chief nurse at the Cottage Hospital at Aylburton, examined at the institution named, deposed that the deceased was admitted at six o'clock p.m. on 22nd inst. He died on Saturday, 25th inst. Dr Carter, who attended, told her death resulted from fracture of the spine- Albert Harly, agricultural labourer, living Lydney, and employed by Mr Thomas of Allaston Mead, deposed that he worked with the deceased. In the afternoon of the 22nd, witness and deceased went up on to a rick which was 8 feet high, to remove the cloth, which spread over it. They had made one fold over side of the rick. The deceased was about a yard off the end, and was about to begin a second fold, when he fell backward on to the rick, off which he slipped and fell, alighting on his head on the ground. He was 64 years of age. — The Coroner said it was to be regretted that the poor old man, having survived so long, should have come to so sad an end. There was, he took it, nothing for the to do but to return a verdict of "Accidental death." — The jury at once agreed."

http://welshnewspapers.llgc.org.uk/en/page/view/3428575/ART81/aylburton

Here is the Inquest from this FoD site,
http://forum.forest-of-dean.net/inquests/php/popup.htm?../images/D39.png

This site's PRs gives:

Record_ID: 27941
Entry_Number: 15
Year: 1891
Month: Jul
Day: 28
Surname: COX
Forenames: William
Residence: Primrose Hill
Age_at_death: 64
Officiating_Minister: R.Maynard Turner
Event: Burial
Cause_of_death:
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: Lydney P209 IN 1/14
Page_No: 2
Parish_Chapel: Lydney
Soundex: C200

Think this is William in the 1881 Census:

Name: William Cox
Age (Original): 51
Gender: Male
Birth Year: 1830
Birthplace: Lydney, Gloucestershire, England
Relationship to Head of Household: Head
Marital Status: Married
Occupation: Farm Bailiff
Address: Allastone Maud
Event Place: Lydney (Gloucs), Monmouthshire, England
Disability:
Record Type: Household
GS Film number: 1342258
Affiliate Publication Number: RG11
Piece/Folio: 5221 / 49
Page Number: 9
Household Gender Age Birthplace
Head William Cox M 51 Lydney, Gloucestershire, England
Wife Caroline Cox F 54 Lydney, Gloucestershire, England

https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XQ3C-GS7

Which I think leads to:

Record_ID: 20186
Entry_Number: 177
Year: 1852
Month: Mar
Day: 18
Grooms_Surname: COX
Grooms_Forenames: William
Grooms_Age: Of full age
Groom_Condition: Bachelor
Grooms_Occupation: Labourer
Grooms_Residence: Newherne
Grooms_Fathers_Surname: COX
Grooms_Fathers_Forenames: John
Grooms_Fathers_Occupation: Labourer
Brides_Surname: WARREN
Brides_Forenames: Caroline
Brides_Age: Of full age
Brides_Condition: Spinster
Brides_Occupation: Laundress
Brides_Residence: Newherne
Brides_Fathers_Surname: WARREN
Brides_Fathers_Forenames: Thomas
Brides_Fathers_Occupation: Labourer
Licence_or_Banns: Banns
Date_of_Banns: [not stated]
Signature_or_Mark: Both mark
Witness_1: The mark of John Cox
Witness_2: The mark of Harriet Howard
Other_Witnesses:
Officiating_Minister: Charles Taylor
Event: Marriage
Memoranda:
Notes:
Register_Reference: P209 IN 1/15
Page_Number: 89
Parish_Chapel: Lydney
Soundex_Groom: C200
Soundex_Bride: W650

And,

Record_ID: 37221
Entry_Number: 855
Year: 1829
Month: Nov
Day: 22
Parents_Surname: COX
Child_Forenames: William
Fathers_Forenames: John
Mothers_Forenames: Elisabeth
Mothers_Surname:
Residence: Purlieu - Parish of Lydney
Occupation: Labourer
Officiating_Minister: H.C.H.Hawkins Curate
Event: Baptism
Memoranda: Son of
Notes:
Register_Reference: PFC 209 IN 1/3
Page_Number: 107
Parish_Chapel: Lydney
Soundex: C200

------------------------------

Searching for Nurse Sarah Barker within the 1891 Census using Ancestry's free search gives this possible hit, but as I'm not a subscriber so I only see limited info, namely:
"Sara E. Barker, born Yorkshire abt 1858, resident Aylburton Glos 1891"

Oddly this record doesn't seem to be within the LDS/FamilySearch database under any spelling variation....if anyone can help with Nurse Barker I'd be grateful, thanks.

???

From the 1891 Census we have:-

Aylburton
Cottage Hospital
Sara E BARBER
Matron
Single Aged 33
Certificated Nurse
Born, Yorkshire, Bradford

Also listed are a servant and three patients.

Ancestry transcribes the name as BARKER. The above was from GR. Looking at the original it could be either. The scribe has a funny way of looping into tall letters.

Thanks Mike, most kind of you to put that mystery "to bed" for me, don't like to be beaten. Re-searching LDS for BarBer gives the exact-same transcription.
Perhaps this was another example of the near-unreadable writing so many GPs use on prescriptions ?.
atb Jeff.