3-047-083 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Departure of the Dreadnought hospital ship from her old moorings in the Thames, 1872. 'The Dreadnought Hospital-Ship, which has for several years been moored off Greenwich [in south-east London], was, on Tuesday, towed down to Sheerness. She was formerly the Caledonia man-of-war, and did service for ten or twelve years as the Seamen's Hospital for all nations; but the Admiralty having granted the use of the infirmary of Greenwich Hospital for the purpose, the Dreadnought was no longer required, and the Board of Admiralty have accordingly removed her from Greenwich'. An advertisement of the time read: 'SEAMEN'S HOSPITAL (late Dreadnought), supported by Voluntary Contributions, for Sick Seamen of all Nations, who are admitted without recommendation. FUNDS are URGENTLY NEEDED. Bankers - Messrs. Williams, Deacon and Co., Birchin-lane. S. Kemball Cook, House Governor and Secretary. Seamen's Hospital, Greenwich, S.E.'. From "Illustrated London News", 1872.