3-043-865 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Queen opening St. Thomas's Hospital, [London], 1871. Queen Victoria '...was dressed, as usual, in black; but the sable hue of her costume was relieved by some white flowers in her bonnet...[She said:] "I congratulate you on the completion of a work of so much importance to the suffering poor of the metropolis...It gives me pleasure to recognise in the plan of your buildings, so carefully adapted to check the growth of disease, ample and satisfactory evidence of your resolution to take advantage of the best suggestions of science for the alleviation of suffering, and the complete and speedy cure of the sick and disabled. These great purposes are not least effectually promoted by an adequate supply of careful and well-trained nurses...your hospital is especially fortunate through the connection with it of the staff trained under the direction of the lady whose name will always remain associated with the care of the wounded and the sick" [ie Florence Nightingale]...the Archbishop of Canterbury offered a prayer...Mr. Bruce, the Home Secretary,...turned towards the spectators and uttered these words, "Her Majesty announces that this Royal Hospital is now open," an intimation that was cordially responded to by the cheers of the assembly'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.