• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Smallpox hospital, Chester Street Aston

Vivienne14

Vivienne14

Kentish Brummie Moderator
Staff member
This probably started out as a field hospital, in response to an epidemic. Given that the drainage and sanitation around the area at the time left a lot to be desired, surprised a hospital was located there.

Screenshot_20250331_094811_Chrome.jpg
Screenshot_20250331_083949_Chrome.jpg
Source: British Newspaper Archive
 
how interesting viv...news to me about this hospital...i have just looked on the maps dated 1888 to 1915 but cant seem to find the hospital marked out...

lyn
 
It was composed of tents and connverted carthouses - it's described as a field hospital in the second article in post #1. In 1884 it's decribed in newspaper reports as a temporary hospital. So probably wouldn't feature on maps. Sounds dreadful, right next to a night soil yard. Negotiations to erect a hospital at Witton fell through so this was obviously a rushed affair. Perhaps this was the forerunner to the Witton Isolation Hospital at Perry Common.

Screenshot_20250331_165017_Chrome.jpg
Source: British Newspaper Archive
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top