12th Mar, 2025 10:00
The Fine Collectors Sale
A 19th Century Time Capsual from the Entrance to Birmingham Hospital
English, dated 1894, heavy glass jar still sealed containing documents, papers, coins and other documents, The document visible through the glass reads “In the eight day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety four, the foundation stone of the new General Hospital buildings in Steelhouse Lane Birmingham will be laid by H. R. H. the Duke of York, accompanied by H. R. H. the Dutchess of York in the presence of numerous assembly of friends and supporters of the institution, and together with other documents, coins of the realm, & this memorandum will be deposited in a cavity below the stone which is situate on the right hand side of the central entrance to the new buildings”, the document is signed by the hospital President, Chairman, Treasurer, Hon Secretary and Architect.
History of Birmingham General Hospital
The Birmingham General Hospital relocated to Steelhouse Lane in 1897. The site had previously been occupied by almshouses provided by Lench's Trust. The hospital's striking red brick building, which still stands today, was designed by architect William Henman.
Neville Chamberlain, who later became Prime Minister, played a significant role in the hospital’s history. Initially serving as an Official Visitor and later a director, Chamberlain championed the need for a larger facility. His efforts bore fruit, though construction of the new building did not begin until 1934. Even during his tenure as Prime Minister, Chamberlain continued fundraising for the hospital’s development.
In 1948, the hospital became part of the newly established National Health Service (NHS). For many years, it served as a training center for nurses, who, upon qualification, joined the General Hospital Birmingham Nurses League. However, after 1964, nurse training was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston, and the Nurses League eventually disbanded in 2000 due to its aging membership.
The hospital also played a vital role during the Birmingham pub bombings on November 21, 1974. These attacks, the deadliest on mainland Britain until 2005, occurred within a mile of the hospital. Taxi drivers and ambulance crews worked tirelessly to transport victims to the General Hospital and the nearby Accident Hospital.
After over a century of service, Birmingham General Hospital closed in the mid-1990s. Its iconic red brick building found new life in 1998 as the home of Birmingham Children's Hospital, ensuring its legacy of care continued in a new form.
Note: from Birmingham Hospital, sold on behalf of University Hospitals Birmingham Charity
Sold for £812
Result including buyers premium
English, dated 1894, heavy glass jar still sealed containing documents, papers, coins and other documents, The document visible through the glass reads “In the eight day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and ninety four, the foundation stone of the new General Hospital buildings in Steelhouse Lane Birmingham will be laid by H. R. H. the Duke of York, accompanied by H. R. H. the Dutchess of York in the presence of numerous assembly of friends and supporters of the institution, and together with other documents, coins of the realm, & this memorandum will be deposited in a cavity below the stone which is situate on the right hand side of the central entrance to the new buildings”, the document is signed by the hospital President, Chairman, Treasurer, Hon Secretary and Architect.
History of Birmingham General Hospital
The Birmingham General Hospital relocated to Steelhouse Lane in 1897. The site had previously been occupied by almshouses provided by Lench's Trust. The hospital's striking red brick building, which still stands today, was designed by architect William Henman.
Neville Chamberlain, who later became Prime Minister, played a significant role in the hospital’s history. Initially serving as an Official Visitor and later a director, Chamberlain championed the need for a larger facility. His efforts bore fruit, though construction of the new building did not begin until 1934. Even during his tenure as Prime Minister, Chamberlain continued fundraising for the hospital’s development.
In 1948, the hospital became part of the newly established National Health Service (NHS). For many years, it served as a training center for nurses, who, upon qualification, joined the General Hospital Birmingham Nurses League. However, after 1964, nurse training was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Edgbaston, and the Nurses League eventually disbanded in 2000 due to its aging membership.
The hospital also played a vital role during the Birmingham pub bombings on November 21, 1974. These attacks, the deadliest on mainland Britain until 2005, occurred within a mile of the hospital. Taxi drivers and ambulance crews worked tirelessly to transport victims to the General Hospital and the nearby Accident Hospital.
After over a century of service, Birmingham General Hospital closed in the mid-1990s. Its iconic red brick building found new life in 1998 as the home of Birmingham Children's Hospital, ensuring its legacy of care continued in a new form.
Note: from Birmingham Hospital, sold on behalf of University Hospitals Birmingham Charity
Auction: The Fine Collectors Sale, 12th Mar, 2025
