Reading

If you'd like to find out more about the Royal Victoria Military Hospital or the people and events which played such an important part in its history, these books may be of interest to you:

Florence Nightingale

Nightingale was instrumental in publicising the plight of injured soldiers during the Crimean War and responsible for the improvements in medical care at that time. Her life story is a fascinating example of a great Victorian who became an inspiration to many, including those men she saved from infection and death. You may be surprised to find out what she really thought of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital though!

The Crimean War

The poor medical care of soldiers making up the Thin Red Line inspired Queen Victoria to commission the Royal Victoria Military Hospital. Both Victoria and Albert were shocked by the poor conditions in which troops were treated so they decreed that a new hospital should be created. They remained enthusiastic patrons of the hospital throughout their lives.

The Great War

The First World War brought four years of industrial-scale slaughter to Europe and saw an estimated 50,000 patients treated at Royal Victoria Military Hospital. The battles of World War One created appalling injuries, and troops from all sides were taken to Netley by ship and train for treatment. 714 casualties of the Great War are buried at Netley Military Cemetery which forms part of the park. This cemetery is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Wilfred Owen MC

One of the hospitals most famous patients, Owen came to Southampton in 1917 to recuperate from the psychological wounds he sustained in France. The poet wrote of his stay in Netley before returning to the front in August 1918. His poetry is some of the most well-known of the Great War.

World War Two

Between the Wars the hospital became quieter but stood ready to take the casualties who started to arrive just days after the Second World War began. Paul Reed's book provides the definitive guide to the battlefields of Europe which created so many of the casualties who would be treated in the Royal Victoria Military Hospital.

Spike Island by Philip Hoare

Philip Hoare's 2001 book, Spike Island, is a must-read if you want to know more about the hospital. A local boy, Hoare recounts his memories of the site, weaving in his family history. But most impressive is the depth of his research into the hospital, from its conception to demolition.