Northampton War Hospital, Duston, Northampton

Originally Berrywood Asylum opened in 1876 as the pauper lunatic asylum for Northamptonshire and was located in the parish of Upton, to the west of the larger village of Duston, which was then three miles west of Northampton.

In March 1915 the asylum took in 193 patients from the Birmingham City Asylum at Rubery Hill when that institution was made into a war hospital for wounded soldiers. The War Office soon required more beds so in July 1915 the County Council offered the asylum as an additional war hospital. Patients were dispersed to other asylums in the Midlands and the Duston War Hospital was opened at the end of October. It closed in March 1919, having treated some 25,000 patients, and reverted to its former use.

It was renamed as St Crispin's Hospital and finally closed in 1995, but some original buildings remain and have been converted into housing.

Other Hospitals and Convalescent Homes in Northamptonshire.

Northampton General Hospital treated over 3,000 patients during the First World War, with 120 extra beds set up in makeshift wooden pavilions in it’s grounds. It also requisitioned other Northampton buildings to cope with the high number of patients, including Barry Road School, which set up 260 beds and treated 4,370 wounded, and Abington Avenue School, which set up 64 beds and cared for 1,560.

The County, which then included the Soke of Peterborough, had many more facilities to care for the wounded, as this list and information from the Red Cross Archives shows:

Weston Favell Hospital, Northampton - Barnwell Castle, Peterborough - Auxiliary Hospital, Blakeseley, Towcester - Auxiliary Hospital, Brackley - Burghley House, Stamford - Castile House, Northampton - Golf House, Church, Brampton - Auxiliary Hospital, Cottesbrooke - Dallington, Northampton - Auxiliary Hospital, Daventry, Northants - Addison Villas, Northampton - Duncote Hall, near Towcester - East Haddon Hall, East Haddon - East Haddon Institute, East Haddon, - Everdon Hall, Everdon - Eydon Hall, Byfield - Auxiliary Hospital, Guilsborough - Auxiliary Hospital, Higham Ferrers, Wellingborough - Hinwick House, Wellingborough - Auxiliary Hospital, London Road, Kettering - King Street Emergency Hospital, Northampton - Auxiliary Hospital, Lois Weedon (Officers) - Milton Park, Peterborough - The Palace, Peterborough - Rushton Hall, Kettering - Sulby Hall, Rugby - Thornby Grange, Thornby - Auxiliary Hospital, Towcester - Auxiliary Hospital, Wellingborough - Wothorpe Villas, Wothorpe.

At the outbreak of the First World War, the British Red Cross and the Order of St John of Jerusalem combined to form the Joint War Committee. They pooled their resources under the protection of the red cross emblem. As the Red Cross had secured buildings, equipment and staff, the organisation was able to set up temporary hospitals as soon as wounded men began to arrive from abroad.

The buildings varied widely, ranging from town halls and schools to large and small private houses, both in the country and in cities. The most suitable ones were established as auxiliary hospitals. Auxiliary hospitals were attached to central Military Hospitals, which looked after patients who remained under military control. There were over 3,000 auxiliary hospitals administered by Red Cross county directors.

In many cases, women in the local neighbourhood volunteered on a part-time basis. The hospitals often needed to supplement voluntary work with paid roles, such as cooks. Local medics also volunteered, despite the extra strain that the medical profession was already under at that time.

The patients at these hospitals were generally less seriously wounded than at other hospitals and they needed to convalesce. The servicemen preferred the auxiliary hospitals to military hospitals because they were not so strict, they were less crowded and the surroundings were more homely.

Floods of support also came from hundreds of local residents who offered accommodation, voluntary nursing and organised outings and entertainment for patients.

From Newspaper Reports of the Time and other Reports (Work in progress).

It is assumed that articles were censored and that there was a desire to bolster morale in reporting but nevertheless a picture is painted of the operation of the hospital and the wider context of the war from the miscellany of items which follow.

A Wartime Concert

Kay Collins of the Rushden & District History Society Research Group transcribed the following report from the Rushden Echo of Friday 25/8/1916. Rushden is a small town about 15 miles east of Northampton.

"The Rushden Rifle Band and the Town Band Club Male Choir had a good half day’s holiday on Saturday. By the kind invitation of the Matron, the Northamptonshire War Hospital at Duston was visited by 23 of the band and 24 of the male choir, and a first class concert was given in the theatre to about 500 wounded soldiers and the nurses. Several who were looking forward to the concert were unable to be present on account of the severe wounds and their very low condition. The following programme was well rendered: March, La Romarno, Band; selection, musical comedy, The Girl in the Taxi; glee, Sweet doth blush, Male Choir; selection, Comrades in arms, Male Choir, valse, Eton boating song, Band; fantasia, Melodies of Great Britain and Ireland; glee, O’er the downs, Male Choir; selection Martyrs of the arena, Male Choir; cornet sols, I hear you calling me (encore, Until), Mr. M. J. Roberts; selection, Popular songs: Still smiling (encored); selections, The oath, and Twilights, Male Choir. The conductor of the band was Mr. C. H. Baker and of the choir Mr. W. G. Hardwick. The cornet solos and the solos and the songs in "Still smiling" brought down the house. Hopes were expressed that the visitors would pay a return visit to the hospital."

(See music/ video links for some of these pieces.)

9/6/1916 MORE WOUNDED AT DUSTON. A convoy of 101 wounded soldiers, including 66 cot cases, arrived at Northampton from Dover last evening for the Northamptonshire War Hospital at Duston. The train arrived at 9.45, and was cleared in half an hour, the transport being efficiently carried out by the local V.A.D. The local V.A.D, who. are successfully competing with the demands made upon them, yesterday made nearly 200 removals. In addition to the transport of this new convoy they moved 50 discharged men to Duston, now central hospital for the county. There were also 30 transfers from Duston to auxiliary V.A.D. hospitals in the district.

25/8/16 LOCAL CASUALTIES. Northamptons Lose Heavily. LIEUT.-COL. E. R. MOBBS WOUNDED. The casualty list this week is again a heavy one, containing the names several hundred officers and men, mainly the Northamptonshire Regiment, one battalion having been engaged in very heavy fighting north of the Somme. Among the officers wounded is Lieut.- Colonel E. B. Mobbs, who has been slightly hit in the shoulder. The full list is us follows: ....(Lengthy list of Killed, died of wounds, wounded, missing followed on the front and subsequent pages and must have shocked the whole county. Edgar Mobbs was a famous rugby player for Northampton and England and had raised a "Sportman's Battalion" of 264 men. He was killed on 31/7/17 at the start of the third battle for Ypres.)

2/9/16 A Concert took place on Ward 6 involving Kislingbury Choir and two dancers.

13/10/16. A lady from Long Buckby darned 60 pairs of socks for Duston War Hospital.

1/12/16 DRINK FOR THE WOUNDED. SIX WEEKS’ PRISON FOR DUSTON WIDOW. At the Northampton Divisional Petty Sessions on Saturday, Emily Smith, widow, Duston, was charged with procuring liquor tor a number of soldiers undergoing hospital treatment at the Duston War Hospital on Nov 21. —She pleaded guilty. James Campbell, private in the Canadian A.S.C., said he had been undergoing treatment at the Duston War Hospital since August last. On Tuesday be went the defendant’s residence and asked her get him a drink he was not feeling very well. He gave her a £1 Treasury note, and told her to fetch him a drop of whisky if she could get it, he had pain his stomach. Defendant went out and brought back a bottle, similar to the one produced, containing brandy, some of which he drank. He paid two visits to the defendant’s house on the day named, and stayed there all night. He visited the house again the next day at 8 a.m., and returned to the hospital at 7 p.m. Martha Ann Russell, wife the landlord the Squirrel Inn, Duston, stated that shortly after one o'clock on November the defendant purchased from her house a bottle of brandy for which she paid 6s. She said she wanted it for someone who was ill. Lilian Howarth, sister at the Duston War Hospital, said that defendant smelled of liquor when he returned to the hospital on Wednesday evening, and she spoke to him about it. Sergeant Brown, stationed at Duston, said that consequence of a communication he saw the defendant, who said, “A Canadian soldier came to house at 1.30 p.m. Tuesday, and left at 7 a.m. Wednesday.” She admitted purchasing the bottle of brandy, but said she purchased it for Mrs. Johnson next door.” Asked who paid for it, she said, The soldier gave me Treasury note. I took the brandy to my house and the soldier had some of it." Defendant went on to say that the soldier visited her house at 8 a.m. on Wednesday and stayed until 7 p.m., and admitted that on that occasion he had some beer. When arrested and formally charged she made no reply. Lieut.-Colonel Harding said it was a great danger to men in the hospital to have a place so near where they could have drink. He was much concerned about it, and was very desirous of having the practice stopped. No wounded soldier was allowed out of the hospital except on special pass, and these were only granted for the afternoon. They could not keep the hospital like a prison, and the man would probably get out of the grounds over one of the hedges. Supt. Butlin said the defendant was the widow of a soldier and was receiving 18s per week pension. She had two children, one six years of age and the other four. Only three weeks ago he had to complain of her conduct with the soldiers. The Chairman said the Bench were of opinion that this was not an isolated case, and defendant would be committed prison for six weeks in the Second Division.

29.12.1916 MUCH PETTY PILFERING AT DUSTON There have been many cases petty pilfering at Duston War Hospital, particularly from the larder said Mr. A, M. Troup, prosecuting in a case at Northampton Divisional Petty Sessions Saturday, in which Ellen Hadley, married, Duston, was summoned for stealing 1 lb. of cocoa, value Is. 4d., the property of his Majesty the King at Upton December 3. Mr, Troup added that the Hospital authorities had brought the case to the Court in order to show that these petty thefts could not be permitted. There was no desire to be vindictive. Miss Parsons, kitchen superintendent at the Hospital, said all the food used at the Hospital passed under her supervision. It was issued to scale from the stores, and there was seldom surplus. Articles of food had been missed from the kitchen. Rabbits had been lost once or twice and a small joint and bacon. On December she saw the defendant talking to a maid in a corridor, and as the maid had a small parcel under her arm witness became suspicious. Later she found the parcel in a cupboard of the pantry of the staff messroom. contained dry cocoa. She asked defendant why she had taken the cocoa, and defendant said she found it in the sink, and that she knew she ought not to have’ taken it. Defendant had for a long time been engaged as day worker the Hospital. Replying to Mr. A. J. Darnell, who defended, Miss Parsons said it was very exceptional have a surplus of cocoa. She did not know what would have become any surplus of cocoa. The cocoa did not leave the promises. Beatrice Smith, a mess-room maid at the Hospital, said she placed the parcel in the cupboard the request of the defendant, who said she would call for it later. She did not know what the parcel contained. The defendant elected to be dealt with summarily, and Mr. Darnell said she pleaded guilty. said the defendant acted foolishly. There was sometimes waste at the Hospital, due to the soldiers being served with food according to scale. Sometimes they did not consume all that was issued, and it had been a practice on the part the attendants to regard any surplus a perquisite. Cooked food that was in surplus had been taken away, and it had apparently been considered that the same course could taken with food that had not been cooked. As the object of the authorities was to give a warning, suggested that the justice of the case would be met binding the defendant over under the First Offenders’ Act. The Chairman said the Bench did not think they would be justified in the public interest in taking the course suggested Mr. Darnell. They must warn those employed at the Hospital that they were not give way to these petty thefts. There would be a fine of £l.

16/2/17 Mrs. Harding, the wife of the popular Commandant of Duston War Hospital, has been removed to London for special medical treatment. She has been ill for some time owing to the severe strain of extra work.

12/4/17 The funeral of Mrs Harding, wife of Lt-Col Harding, Medical Officer of Northampton War Hospital, took place at Upton.

28/9/17 WOUNDED SOLDIERS ENTERTAINED. A very happy evening was spent by the wounded soldiers Ward 7 at Duston War Hospital Thursday week, when very nice tea party was given by the esteemed sister in charge (Sister Tye) celebrate the obtaining a piano for the ward. The Matron (Miss Stewart), the Assistant Matron (Miss Hebden), the Chaplain (Rev. and Mrs. Sedwyn), Mr. A. E. Rodhouse, and the doctors were present. A capital concert party entertained the company, each one receiving encores Miss Mabel Metcalf, Miss Esme Gammage, Mr. Will Swallow (comedian), Mr. Frfyl Facer (violin). Miss Winnie Timpson, Lance-Corpl. Martin (A.R.C.M., Gold Med., London, ’cello). Votes of thanks were accorded to the artists, sister Tye for the tea, the Vicar St. Lawrence’s for the loan the piano, and to Mr. W. T. Skempton, who had arranged the concert, and was instrumental in obtaining the piano. The last trip of the season in connection with the outings for the soldiers at the Northampton General Hospital took place on Sept. 20 to Stoke Bruerne Park where Mrs. A. H. Vernon kindly entertained large number wounded soldiers and nurses. The journey was made in two motor char-a-bancs, and on arrival each soldier received a personal welcome from from Mrs. Vernon, together with Judge Harrington and Mrs. Harrington. The beautiful grounds were visited, games enjoyed, and tea was served in the ball-room, where Mr. H. Batchelor (the steward), Mrs. Batchelor, and a number of willing helpers looked after the Tommies. After tea various competitions took place. Before returning a large photographic group was taken by one the soldier-guests, after which Mrs. Vernon presented the prizes.

19/10/17 At least 22 bombs were dropped from a German Zeppelin over Northampton. Mrs Gammons and her 13-year-old twin daughters Lilian and Gladys were sleeping in their house in Parkwood Street, St James, when one of the bombs fell through the roof and set fire to the top floor. Mrs Gammons was killed instantly and her daughters died of their injuries within three days, despite being rescued from the burning house by their brother-in-law Private Arthur Bazeley.

14/12/17 The Mayor and Mayoress gave patients grapes, cigarettes and tobacco at a concert in the large hall.

28/12/17 Duston War Hospital. "I really think the happiest people in Northampton to-day are to he found in the hospitals,” said the Mayor (Councillor A. J. Chown, J.P.), in the course one of the series of breezy little speeches he made to the wounded soldiers in the Duston War Hospital on Christmas Day. And if the condition of things he found there—where Colonel Harding and the Matron (Miss Stewart) have a ” family of something like 850 to look after—was criterion of those prevailing in the other institutions his observations were thoroughly justified. The occupants of the different wards had again vied with each other in their decorative efforts, and in addition to the time honoured greetings there were pleasing indications that the men had not allowed their own sufferings to blot out the remembrance of their comrades who would spending Christmas under even less favourable conditions. Thanks to a variety, of money-raising devices adopted the men themselves, together with the efforts of the Ladies’ Committee, the fund for the provision of Christmas cheer was quite as large last year, and as far as the physical condition of the patients permitted there was pardonable relaxation of the rationing regulations. A carol party, consisting the nursing staff, who were followed almost the whole the patients able to walk with or without crutches, made a singing pilgrimage of the wards on Christmas Eve, and at half-past ten on Christmas morning service was conducted in the chapel by the Rev. F. T. Lewarne, C.F. Roast beef, plum pudding, turkeys, etc., were included in the menu for the midday meal, and the customary incidentals in the way of dessert were liberally provided. There was no attempt cut-and-dried uniformity of procedure after dinner; on the contrary "Home Rule ” for each ward was the order, the Sister in charge being responsible for the arrangements. The programme, however, was very similar, and included high tea, whist drive, and a concert, and with a staff bent on making things as jolly as possible, and patients equally determined to look the bright side, it need scarcely said that the proceedings were an unqualified success. The visit of the Mayor and Mayoress, who, of course, did not go empty handed, was very heartily appreciated, and the gusto with which the men sang For he’s a jolly good fellow,” and gave three times three for the visitors proved, as the Mayor humorously remarked, that whatever else they had lost they had not lost their voices. The memory of Duston Christmas, 1917, will a one for many a long day for the boys who spent it beneath the hospitable roof of the War Hospital there.

The V.A.D. Hospitals. DALLINGTON. hospital had been very tastefully decorated by the patients and staff and friends. On Christmas Day the members Of the staff were presented with gifts by the patients. Corporals King and Lovell making the presentations. While the patients' were at dinner, Earl Spencer paid a visit and read the King’s Christmas Message, and visitors during the day included Mr. T. H. Woolston (County Director), the Mayor, Mayoress, and Miss Chown, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Reeves, ©to The dinner consisted of venison, kindly sent by Earl Spencer, and plum pudding fruit, etc. Mr. Hill and Mr. B. Faulkner undertook the carving. The afternoon and evening were spent in games and dancing. On Boxing Day the festivities were continued, and will be carried on all the week.

(Similar reports about Towcester, Daventry and Brampton Auxiliary Hospitals followed.)

11/1/1918 A Convoy of 159 wounded men arrived at midnight at Castle Station for transfer to Duston War Hospital.

13/7/18 DUSTON HOSPITAL THEFTS. WOMAN SENT TO PRISON FOR SIX WEEKS. At Northampton Divisional Police Court, Saturday, Ellen Williams (26), married, Northampton, was charged with stealing two and three-quarters lbs. tea, eight lbs. sugar, 1/2 lb, starch, 1/2 lb. biscuits, 1/2lb. currants, a tin of jam, a loaf of bread, three table knives, two spoons, three dishes, four cups, three saucers, three plates, two enamel plates, three enamel mugs, and an enamel candlestick, value together £1 4s. 2d., while engaged as storekeeper at Duston War Hospital, between January 2 and July 2. Major F. J. Stuart, R.A.M.C., officer in charge of the Hospital, stated that on July he advised defendant show him the contents of a box she was carrying on her bicycle. She moved as though ride off, and caught hold the bicycle and suggested sending for constable. She returned to the stores, where the box was unpacked. It contained loaf, starch, and biscuits, which she admitted having taken. Arthur Henry James, storekeeper at the Hospital, said July 2 the biscuits sent to the kitchen were 1/2lb. short of weight. As defendant was leaving the Hospital that day he stopped her and asked be allowed to examine the contents of her bag, but she declined. When she opened the bag later at the stores he found 1/2 lb biscuits, 1/2lb. starch, and the loaf. P.S. Brown said he found the articles, with the exception of the bread, starch, and biscuits, at 47, Shakespeare-road, where defendant lived with her parents. The jam was in tarts he found in a cupboard. Defendant elected dealt with summarily, and pleaded guilty. Mr. Darnell expressed the deep regret of the defendant, who, he said, was married about a year ago to a soldier, who had since served in France, and had been wounded, and who was deeply grieved that his wife should have fallen to the level of committing petty thefts. Defendant had hitherto borne an excellent character, and was member of a most respectable family and Mr. Darnell asked the Bench to deal with the case as lightly and generously as they could. The Magistrates retired to consider their decision. On their return after a short absence, the Chairman said they felt it would not consistent with their duty for them to deal leniently with it. There had been a gross abuse a position of trust, and defendant must prison for six weeks in the Second Division. Defendant wept bitterly hearing the sentence, and embraced and clung to her husband in the dock.

22/8/1918 Among the convoy arriving at Duston War Hospital was Gunner W. "Bumper" Wells, well-known County cricketer, who had been gassed within a few months of arriving in France. See below notice from the same Northampton Mercury 30/8/1918 and note the National War Savings logo.

23/8/18 SOCIALS FOR THE WOUNDED The good work being done by Mr. and M rs. A. E. Rodhouse at the Duston War Hospital

Y. M.C.A. Hut was further exemplified last Monday, when the series of socials given by them the wounded soldiers in the wards of the hospital was recommenced in Ward 7; and again Thursday, when two more were given in Wards and 6. Tea was first served by a number willing lady helpers from the town, directed by Mr. and Mrs. Rodhouse. After tea various competitions were entered into the wounded lads, Mr. Rodhouse generously providing the prizes. Following these, high-class concerts were arranged by Mr. Ernest J. Tebbutt. The following artistes contributed and were warmly received, all being encored for their excellent items: —Madame Lilian Blunt (soprano). Miss Annie Hughes (contralto). Miss Gertrude Wells (violin). Miss Baker (stories). Miss Wells (songs the piano), Mr. H. Corby (baritone). The artistes will long remember the fine reception accorded them in one of the wards, where they had the pleasure of performing to a party of wounded Colonials, who had but the day previously come from the battle-front. The matron, several doctors and nurses were also present. Votes of thanks were passed all who in any way assisted to make the gatherings successful.

(Mr & Mrs Rodhouse had left their home at The Drive, Northampton, to live as stewards of the spacious YMCA Hut, constructed in the grounds of Duston Hospital for the troops. It had been funded by voluntary subscription and opened by various dignitaries on 25/4/17)

6/12/1918 24 German POWs were admitted with influenza.

1919. DUSTON WAR HOSPITAL. WORK OF THE LITERATURE COMMITTEE. When the War Hospital was established at Duston one of the committees formed supply comforts the patients was the Literature Committee, whose function it was to provide books and papers. These committees were entirely composed of ladies. The Hospital being now closed and its work at an end, a few words the work of the Literature Committee may he of public interest. It was early in 1916 that the first appeal was made for funds, and the response was generous, enabling a large number of daily and weekly papers to be distributed in the wards. After a lapse of some twelve months, the men became in regular receipt of their pay, and were thus able to buy their own papers; the committee therefore slightly altered the scope of their activities. Thenceforth they provided papers to the Isolation Ward and the Hospital staff, augmented and renewed the stock books in the library for general use, and supplied incoming patients with stamps and stationery meet their immediate needs. All these things were highly appreciated by the patients. In addition to the literature bought with the subscribed money, parcels of books and papers were sent weekly from Peterborough, and few illustrated papers were supplied from other sources.