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Collections WA has a responsibility to preserve and make accessible the history and culture of Western Australia in all its various forms. The intention of Collections WA is to support research, and to reveal actions of the past that have impacted upon communities, families, and individuals.
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Please also note: Some historical materials within this portal may include language or opinions that today are considered inappropriate or even offensive. Collections WA does not endorse this language and apologises for any distress caused.
Postcard featuring a photograph of Roehampton House, London, which operated as Queen Mary's Convalescent Auxiliary Hospital from 1915-1938 and became world famous for its work in amputee rehabilitation.
The stately home was built in the early 1700s and features red brick with a white central portico. The black and white image shows it with mature trees to either side and a grassed area out the front.
The card was sent to a Miss Emily Lange, living at 18 St. Mary's Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire from Charlie, in Putney, SW 15. A red one penny stamp with a portrait of the King is affixed to the top right and the message is wrriten on the left in black ink.
Roehampton House was designed by architect, Thomas Archer, and built in 1710-1712 for merchant, Thomas Cary. Between 1910-1913, it was altered and the additional north and south wings were added.
It operated as a hospital between 1915-1938.
Two articles about the history of both the house and the hospital are attached as supplementary links.
Banjamin David Jones, who served with the 3rd Battalion, East Surrey Regiment, attended the hospital after having his right leg amputated just below the thigh. A collection of paperwork relating to Benjamin is held in the collection and this postcard was purchased to add context to the grouping.
On front of card:
"ROEHAMPTON HOUSE"
On reverse of card:
"This is a P.C. of the hospital
My dear Emily
Just
a few lines on this
P.C.to let you
know I am going
on fine Dear. Will
write and let
you know if
I come home
Tuesday Dear.
From your
ever loving
Boy Charlie"
Miss E. Lange/Large?
18 St. Mary's Street,
Chippenham,
Wilts."
Article about the history of Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton, from the 'Friends of Queen Mary's Hospital' website
An excellent history of the Queen Mary's Hospital up until the present day, from the Geocaching website, Ghost Hospital #4
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