WW1 - a civilian hospital with 50 beds for military patients.

Believed to be the oldest orthopaedic hospital in the world, founded by Dr.John Lettsom in 1791. The original building, greatly altered, featured colonnades and further wings were added in the early 19th century. New buildings of 1882 and early 20th century. The early buildings are of yellow stock brick with stone dressings and a hipped slate roof, the latter additions are of red and black brick with pink terracotta balustrades. (1-2)

The (former) Royal Sea Bathing Hospital is believed to be the oldest orthopaedic hospital in the world, founded by Dr. John Coakley Lettsom in 1891 and built between 1792 and 1796. The location, on the cliffs at Westbrook, and design, by Reverend John Pridden, related directly to Dr. Lettsom's ideas for the treatment of scrofula (tuberculosis of the glands, joints and bones). The original building, greatly altered, featured colonnades and further wings were added in the early 19th century. This was to provide improved accommodation for the treatment of surgical tuberculosis through exposure to fresh air, sunlight and access to sea-water bathing. Dr. Lettsom's ideas on fresh air and sunshine anticipated the work of scientists by almost a century and the Hospital proved inspirational, leading to the construction of similar institutions at other English Resorts. By 1841, the hospital was treating 214 patients. New buildings were built in 1882 and the early 20th century. The main form of treatment was through sea water bathing, using a bathing machine at the hospital. This was replaced by indoor baths containing salt-water in 1858, which continued in use until 1910. The hospital became part of the National Health Service in 1948. The early buildings are of yellow stock brick with stone dressings and a hipped slate roof. The latter additions are of red and black brick with pink terracotta balustrades. The former hospital closed in July 1996 and was renovated and converted into luxury apartments prior to 2007. (1-4)

At time of recording in 2011, online access to information relating to the designation (Listing) noted in sources 1-2 is available though the National Heritage List for England. (5)

Historic England archive material: BB91/21379 VIEW FROM ROOF OF NURSES HOME,SOUTH WING,VIEW TO EAST WING BB94/19942 PLANS AND ELEVATION (J C LETTSOM, HINTS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE BENEFICIENCE, TEMPERANCE & MEDICAL SCIENCE 1801) NBR NO:101142 This item has yet to be fully catalogued. BF101142 Royal Sea Bathing Hospital, Canterbury Road, Westbrrok, Margate Miniature Format Film Number: 149/A BF111508 Margate Project

<1> English Heritage, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest (Map). SKE16160.

<2> English Heritage, 2007, Margate's Seaside Heritage (Monograph). SKE55520.

<3> Allan Brodie, Gary Winter, 2007, England's Seaside Resorts (Monograph). SKE54781.

<4> Peter Higginbotham, 2000, The Workhouse (Website). SKE56079.