Plaque unveiled at wartime hospital
A plaque has been unveiled at Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst Hall to commemorate the centenary of its use as a first world war auxiliary hospital.
The blue plaque was unveiled by Professor John Hannay, great-grandson of William Hicking, who owned the hall at the time.
He said: “The plaque is important to highlight the heritage and historical context of what Brackenhurst Hall was used for during that time. It was not uncommon for owners of mansions like this to allow the use of their building for auxiliary hospitals.”
A total of 36 men were accommodated at the hall, mainly those not seriously injured or ill and recovering.
The building is part of the university’s Brackenhurst campus, home to its School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences.
The unveiling, attended by staff, students, community group leaders and council representatives, was part of the university’s celebrations of 175 years since its founding college opened in 1843.
Julia Davies, head of environmental sciences at Nottingham Trent University, said: “There were 3,000 auxiliary military hospitals across the UK during the first world war and Nottinghamshire was home to 17 of them.
“The plaque is a reminder of those involved and the sacrifices made, but also a nod to the people who volunteered as nurses who all felt they should be doing their bit to help.”
Originally built as a family home in 1828 by the Rev Thomas Coats Cane, Brackenhurst was the birthplace of the first world war general, Field Marshal Viscount Allenby.
In 1888 it was sold to and farmed by George Savile Foljambe, who had two sons involved in the first world war, before being bought by William Hicking, a successful wine merchant, in 1899.
He invested a great deal in Brackenhurst, significantly extending the estate and buildings. He also bought more land and created the gardens that are still preserved today.
'Doors opened to people from all walks of life'
After the second world war, when the country was short of food and skilled farm workers, Brackenhurst was seen as an ideal location for training. It was bought by Nottinghamshire County Council, which led to the creation of the Nottinghamshire Farm Institute in 1949.
Alterations were made to the hall to accommodate 34 trainees — 18 former Servicemen and 16 men from Nottinghamshire.
Julia Davies said: “The doors were opened to people from all walks of life.”
The hall has been part of Nottingham Trent University since 1999, with more than 1,400 students studying at the campus.
Agriculture is still taught alongside specialist courses such as animal and equine science, ecology and wildlife conservation, veterinary nursing, geography, horticulture, environmental science and technology.
The campus is undergoing a £50m redevelopment plan over five years, including a main reception, a state-of-the-art environment centre, the redevelopment of equine, canine and animal facilities and additional student accommodation.
