The site on and
around the institution formerly known as Sherburn Hospital , a
little to the east of Durham City , has a lengthy history. Chances are, in fact, that not even the
locals realise quite how far its story stretches back.
The set-up was
founded as a leper hospital way back in 1181 by the famous Bishop Pudsey, and
dedicated, rather clumsily, to “Our Lord, to the Blessed Virgin, to St. Lazarus and his sisters, Mary and
Martha”. It came with extensive lands and has somehow managed to survive all
that has been thrown at it since.
The Dissolution was the biggest hurdle, of course – but limp through the
troublesome days of Henry VIII it did, re-establishing itself as “Christ’s
Hospital in Sherburn” in 1585. In time, and with the discovery of coal reserves
under its associated lands, it became very rich and was able to expand
considerably during the Victorian era – branching into education, for one
thing. It became what we would recognise as a ‘modern’ hospital during the
1860s-70s following construction work – though there were only 35 beds
initially. However, a dispensary administered treatment extensively to the poor
of the parish free of charge.
In time, its mode of operation shifted, having spent the past several
decades as a care home of sorts, whilst providing financial support to
establishments across the county – it closed as a hospital shortly after WWII
with the birth of the NHS. It is now a pleasant enclave of Listed Buildings set
around a grass court with fine gardens – the old hospital chapel being the only
twelfth century survival.
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