Lost_Hospitals_of

The Wall Hall V.A.D. Hospital opened on 23rd March 1915 with 24 beds. It was housed in a large garage lent by John Pierpont ('Jack') Morgan, Jr (1867-1943), an American banker who had bought Wall Hall in 1910. He also generously provided a great part of the equipment for the Hospital.

Originally intended as a convalescent home for typhoid patients, it proved unsatisfactory, and was then used for convalescents recovering from other illnesses and wounds.

By June 1916 the Hospital had 30 beds.

In 1917 it had 48 beds and was affiliated to the Napsbury (County of Middlesex) War Hospital.

The Hospital closed in February 1919.

Present status (October 2011)

During WW2 Wall Hall became the residence of the American Ambassador until 1940, when it became a convalescent hospital for servicemen. On the death of J.P. Morgan, Jr, the mansion and its estate was gifted to Hertfordshire County Council.

After the war the mansion was used as a Teacher Training College and eventually became an annexe of the University of Hertfordshire.

In 2003 the annexe closed and the College moved to a centralised campus in Hatfield. Wall Hall was bought by Octagon in 2004, who converted the mansion into seven luxury residences. Barns and stables were were also converted into homes. Other ancillary buildings were demolished and replaced by a housing complex of 125 properties.

However, the 1,000 acre (405 hectare) estate is still owned by Hertfordshire County Council.

LOST HOSPITALS OF LONDON
	Wall Hall V.A.D. Hospital Wall Hall, Aldenham, Watford, Herts WD25 8BY

	Medical dates: Medical character:	1915 - 1919 Convalescent (military)
	The Wall Hall V.A.D. Hospital opened on 23rd March 1915 with 24 beds. It was housed in a large garage lent by John Pierpont ('Jack') Morgan, Jr (1867-1943), an American banker who had bought Wall Hall in 1910. He also generously provided a great part of the equipment for the Hospital. Originally intended as a convalescent home for typhoid patients, it proved unsatisfactory, and was then used for convalescents recovering from other illnesses and wounds. By June 1916 the Hospital had 30 beds. In 1917 it had 48 beds and was affiliated to the Napsbury (County of Middlesex) War Hospital. The Hospital closed in February 1919. Present status (October 2011) During WW2 Wall Hall became the residence of the American Ambassador until 1940, when it became a convalescent hospital for servicemen. On the death of J.P. Morgan, Jr, the mansion and its estate was gifted to Hertfordshire County Council. After the war the mansion was used as a Teacher Training College and eventually became an annexe of the University of Hertfordshire. In 2003 the annexe closed and the College moved to a centralised campus in Hatfield. Wall Hall was bought by Octagon in 2004, who converted the mansion into seven luxury residences. Barns and stables were were also converted into homes. Other ancillary buildings were demolished and replaced by a housing complex of 125 properties. However, the 1,000 acre (405 hectare) estate is still owned by Hertfordshire County Council.
	The lodge (above and below) on Wall Hall Drive was rebuilt in 2007 by Octagon, originally as a marketing suite. The garage used as a hospital was probably to the south of this lodge on the main drive. A commemorative plaque is shown on the front of the building. The plaque states: The British Red Cross Society and the Order of Saint John gratefully acknowledge that this building was converted and used as an auxiliary hospital worked by a voluntary staff during the Great War. The western elevation of Wall Hall approached from the drive. The building is now private residences, The southern side of Wall Hall.
	References (Accessed 26th August 2016) (Author unstated) 1917 List of the various hospitals treating military cases in the United Kingdom. London, H.M.S.O. Carrington B 1995 Care in Crisis. Hertfordshire British Red Cross 1907-1994. Towcester, Baron Birch for Quotes Ltd. http://aldenham-pc.gov.uk www.flickr.com www.kentvad.org www.redcross.org.uk
Return to alphabetical list Return to home page