Southampton's Shirley Children's Hospital through the years

In 1884, Shirley was a world apart from the industrial hum of Southampton's docklands, a pastoral idyll where time seemed to move at a gentler pace. Leafy lanes, dappled sunlight filtering through ancient trees, and the gentle roll of wooded hills painted a picture of rural tranquility. Thatched cottages, their roofs adorned with moss, dotted the landscape, whispering stories of generations past.

It was in this haven, a world of its own, that the seeds of a profound act of care were sown.

Number 38 Church Street, a modest dwelling rented for a mere £38 10s 10d a year, became the first home of the "Shirley Children's Hospital and Dispensary for Women."

The very air within its walls hummed with a nascent purpose - to provide succor to the vulnerable, to heal the sick, and to offer a haven from suffering.

The stated aim was clear and heartfelt: "the treatment of children suffering from any disease not of an infectious character, as IN and OUT patients, and of women suffering from diseases peculiar to their sex, as OUT patients."

In those early days, the hospital was driven by the power of community spirit.

Four beds, simple and sturdy, stood ready to receive the young patients.

The hospital's first year demonstrated the unwavering dedication of its founders, operating on a shoestring budget of £200, generously provided by the friends of Shirley's children.

Twenty-five children found solace within its walls as inpatients, while 217 sought relief in the outpatient department.

More than 60 dental cases were also addressed, a testament to the hospital's holistic approach to care.

The whispers of the hospital's compassionate work spread like ripples in a still pond, reaching beyond the boundaries of Shirley.

Soon, children were arriving from the neighboring towns and villages – Rownhams, Netley, Romsey, Cadnam, Lyndhurst and more – drawn by the promise of healing hands and caring hearts.

By 1896, the hospital had tended to 545 children in its wards, while the outpatient numbers swelled to more than 6,000, a figure that nearly matched the population of Shirley itself.

The unwavering support of the local community could be ssen in the hospital's financial journey. Legacies and donations, large and small, flowed in, easing the strain of tight budgets.

The Ladies' Linen and Clothing League of Southampton provided invaluable assistance, ensuring that the hospital was well-stocked with essential supplies.

As the years passed, the little white house on Church Street, once a haven of ample space, began to feel increasingly cramped.

In 1894, a decade after its founding, the hospital expanded its reach further, announcing that it would also treat "old men of 60 years of age and upwards" as outpatients. This expansion reflected the hospital's growing commitment to serving the wider community, regardless of age or gender.

The burgeoning demand for the hospital's services necessitated a move to larger premises. In the early 1900s, the decision was made to acquire Anglesea House on Winchester Road for £1,000.

On September 26, 1912, as the melodious strains of the Borough Police Band filled the air, the new premises were officially opened. It was a day of celebration, honouring the hospital's growth and the support of locals.

The hospital's commitment to care extended beyond physical ailments.

In 1920, Princess Beatrice graced the hospital with her presence, officially opening a new wing.

The local shipping companies, recognising the vital role the hospital played in the community, became stalwart supporters, providing invaluable financial assistance.

In 1925, a nurse's home was added to the site, providing comfortable accommodation for the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to care for the children.

The hospital's connection to the community deepened further with the establishment of the Shirley carnival in 1927.

The carnival, a vibrant celebration of community spirit, raised an impressive £1,125, further proving the generosity of the people of Shirley.

Several cots were also presented, ensuring that more children could receive the care they needed.

A Children's League was formed, further solidifying the bond between the hospital and the community.

The shadow of the Second World War fell upon the hospital, but even in the face of adversity, the spirit of care prevailed.

During air raids, children who were well enough were moved to a reinforced central corridor, where they slept on benches.

Seriously ill children remained in the wards, accompanied by nurses wearing tin hats, a poignant reminder of the dangers that lurked outside in such times.

Miraculously, the hospital escaped unscathed, despite bombs falling nearby and an enemy aircraft crashing uncomfortably close.

In the aftermath of the war, the hospital acquired a convalescent home in Bursledon, a large country house originally called Brixedone, and then Bursledon Hall.

This tranquil haven, located in expansive grounds, provided a space for children to recover and regain their strength.

In June 1948, the Daily Echo reported on the new acquisition, highlighting its spacious accommodations for 60 children and ample room for staff.

The hospital's journey continued until May 20, 1974, when the Winchester Road buildings closed, and the departments were relocated to Southampton General Hospital.

The convalescent home in Bursledon continued to provide care for a few more years.

In 1982, the Winchester Road buildings were demolished, marking the end of an era.

From its humble beginnings in a small white house on Church Street to its expansion into larger premises and the establishment of a convalescent home, the hospital served the supportive community for generations.