Work began on Grantham Hospital 150 years ago; 10 years later it began to collapse

Today is the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of Grantham Hospital by the Mayor Lawrence Ridge.

GRANTHAM’S new hospital was officially opened by Lady Brownlow in 1876,  18 months

 The Gothic style building of Ancaster stone on raised ground made an impressive sight.

 The main building was a central two-storey block.

 It consisted of a waiting room, entrance lobby, surgeon’s sitting room, operating room, kitchen, offices and storeroom.

 Convalescent and board rooms were on the ground floor with four bedrooms on the first.

 The two wings, one for each sex, had seven beds each plus a nurses’ room. The building was paid for by public don ations including a £1,000 gift from Earl of Dysart and the land by  Earl Brownlow.

Ten years later, it was in urgent need of repairs.

 A survey by local builders Rudd and Son revealed expensive repairs and alterations were both urgent and necessary.

 The report was called for after rain began leaking through the roof in all parts of the building.

 Flaws were also discovered in walls of the wards.

 J R Boyall of the hospital management committee said the flooring was already being replaced.

 “While this is being done we will be able to check if the foundations have given way,” he said.

 “If the foundations are all right, the cost of repairing the other faults will be about £160.”

 William Thompson said the builder had been negligent in laying the tiles

 “Workmen in this area are not used to this type,” he said.

 James Hutchinson said roofing timbers could be to blame.

 “The woodwork and dormers are just not strong enough,” he said.

In 1889 the Children’s ward was opened at Grantham Hospital by Mrs Bradshaw-Isherwood.

 It was dedicated by the Bishop of Lincoln.

 More than £300 was donated by Mrs Bradshaw-Isherwood, the brains behind the venture. It was built of Ancaster stone behind the present hospital

In 1893, a record 175 patients were treated at Grantham Hospital during the year according to the annual report. Forty-one had operations. The highest number of people dealt with in one day was 27.