Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Two - The Era of Optimism, Investment & Development - The demise of H.M.S. Exmouth at Penarth Dock - 1905 . . .


A postcard image of the new Royal Hamadryad Hospital on Ferry Road, Cardiff which was opened by the Marquess of Bute in late June 1905. It cost £30,000 was on three floors and had a total of 54 beds. A small isolation ward for infectious diseases was also included to contain patients until they could be transferred to the main hospitals in the town of Cardiff. [000] [391]


	above - A postcard image which shows the proximity of the new to the old. [000] [002] The old ship was successfully floated and towed to a safe anchorage in early September 1905 according to the Cardiff Times. 'The night was very dark and stormy, and it was piece of smart work to successfully get the ship around the bends of the entrance channel to the Old Canal, the ship being of almost as much beam as "the drain." Owing to the strong wind and tide on Saturday it was decided to place her in the Roath Basin for safety when the tugs Prairie Flower, Frank Stanley and Stormcock will tow her to Appledore, where she will be broken up.' Cardiff Times [019] [361] 9th September 1905. left - the plaque of the Hamadryad Hospital. [000] [002]

The male surgical ward of the Royal Hamadryad Hospital. Matron looks to be a fearful lady - I think I'd get better soon and scurry back to sea as soon as possible! Contrast these premises with the previous view aboard the old hospital ship. [000] [391]