The Hospitals of Reading’s Past
A talk to Reading u3a by Medical Historian Lionel Williams
The Hospitals of Reading’s Past is the topic which medical historian Lionel Williams will explore as the guest of Reading u3a. A return visit for Lionel who, as former chief medical photographer at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and secretary of the Berkshire Medical Heritage Centre, provides a fascinating insight into the history of Reading's health services.
Reading has had a significant place in the history of health provision. For example, the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s first foundation stone was laid in 1837, and the first patients were treated there in 1839. Much later it admitted its most famous patient, Douglas Bader, who was the victim of a flying accident at nearby Woodley Aerodrome. Reading was one of the largest war hospital complexes during the First World War, with a number of schools and larger houses taken over to accommodate the wounded.
To hear more about the fascinating history of Reading’s hospitals, come along to this open meeting. Free entry, non-members welcome. Visit www.readingu3a.org.uk.