Blenheim Palace unearth ‘hospital album’ to commemorate 110 years since the beginning of World War One

This year (4th August, 2024) marks 110 years since Great Britain declared war on Germany and the start of the First World War. To mark the anniversary, Blenheim Palace has revealed it has a special album of letters, photographs and entries from when the UNESCO World Heritage Site was used as a hospital, between autumn 1914 and May 1915.

The 9th Duke of Marlborough opened up his home for use as a convalescence hospital in the early months of World War One; it was run by Sister Amy Munn. In the hospital album, she noted: ‘Blenheim Palace was closed as a hospital on May 31st, 1915 and the numerous letters received from the trenches since then are eloquent of the affection of the men for their ‘Home’ and to the Duke of Marlborough for his unfailing kindness and sympathy to them.’

The album lists the name, rank and age of each patient as well as his regiment and ailment or complaint. There is also a column in which the patient could make his remarks upon discharge – the date of which is also noted. The complaints of the teenagers and young men vary greatly, from gunshot wounds, gas poisoning and shrapnel to haemorrhoids, influenza, rheumatism and even frostbite.

Photographs and letters of thanks are also included in the album, and it becomes apparent that Sister Munn wrote a postcard to each of the men who had been under her care to find out how they had fared once they left Blenheim. The responses are many and varied – some write from the trenches, others who were sent to recover elsewhere compare their present treatment to the care they had received at Blenheim.

Some of the letters are from distressed and grieving relatives who, having seen photographs of the patients in a newspaper article of the time, write in the hope that the familiar looking man in the image will turn out to be a son, husband or father who has been reported as missing in action. There are also letters notifying Sister Munn of the death of someone who had previously been in her care.

It also becomes apparent that the Duke presented Sister Munn with a diamond brooch in recognition of all her care and hard work.

Antonia Keaney, Social Historian at Blenheim Palace, said, “The album is an absolute goldmine and is an amazing snapshot of the early days of the First World War when the men and their families couldn’t have begun to imagine the horrors that lay ahead or how long it would drag on for. The letters all contain expressions of gratitude to the Duke and Sister Munn, so it is incredible to be able to share this fascinating piece of history which is very important to us here at Blenheim Palace.”

The album is going to be displayed at Blenheim Palace in the Long Library for the weekend of the 3rd-4th August.

For more information and to book tickets visit, https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/hospital-albums-ww1/ and www.blenheimpalace.com

ENDS

Issued on behalf of Blenheim Palace. For more information please contact Cab Campaign blenheim@cabcampaign.co.uk

About Blenheim Palace

Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Set in over 2,000 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped park and gardens, it was designed by Vanbrugh in the Baroque style and is also the birthplace of one of Britain’s most famous leaders, Sir Winston Churchill.

With over 300 years of history to share and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe, the magnificent stately home has a rich variety of cultural highlights and an extensive programme of special events and exhibitions.

The total Estate expands into a further 10,000 acres outside of the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and focuses on care for the land through sustainable means, pursuing net zero, the growth of the local economy, the provision of affordable homes, apprenticeship training and supported community groups as part of its ambition to make this part of Oxfordshire a fairer and better place.