2-798-585 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Prince Albert laying the foundation stone of St. Mary's Hospital Paddington, 1845. 'The site of the intended building is at the North end of Cambridge-place, Cambridge-terrace, not far from the Terminus of the Great Western Railway [in London]...The trowel was then handed by the Hon. Architect, Mr. Hopper, to the Prince, who proceeded to spread the mortar, which was presented on a polished mahogany board by Mr. [George Russell] French, architect; and the stone, a block of grey granite, weighing one ton and a half, was lowered into its place amidst loud applause, the band at the same time playing "God save the Queen", which was sung by the children of the schools and the persons present, the Prince and the Bishop joining in the anthem...The portion of the building about to be erected will accommodate 150 in-door patients'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.