By Wilfrid Edgecombe, M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.C.S.
The history of the Harrogate and District General
Hospital
In the year 1870 the suggestion was made by a clerical gentleman,
the Rev C W Roberts, that it was extraordinary that a town the size
of Harrogate, as it then was, should be without any hospital
whatsoever. He accordingly called a meeting on March 21st in that
year. The meeting was attended by himself, Dr Bennett, Dr Myrtle, Dr
Bealey and Messrs F Bainbridge, C Scaife, J Fletcher, C Allanson,
Thrower, R Ackrill, W R Carr and W Topham. None of these gentlemen
is, of course, alive to-day but some there are whose names are
perpetuated to the present time.
At that meeting it was unanimously decided to found a Cottage
Hospital. Major J Greenwood MP, of Swarcliffe, was elected
president. Mr J Fletcher temporary honorary treasurer, Mr R Ackrill
honorary secretary, and Dr Loy honorary medical officer, and these
men formed a committee to inaugurate the scheme. A Miss Long was
appointed matron. Oddly, before any premises had been acquired for
the purpose of a hospital, a code of rules was drawn up whereby it
was enacted that only bona fide residents of Harrogate should be
treated, and that a charge of 3s to 7s 6d per week be levied
according to means.
But material progress was made in the following May, for two
cottages were purchased in Belford Row, at the corner of Tower
Street and Avenue Road (now Belford Road) and accommodation provided
for six beds.
Next
