The Cholera Hospital - an external view! Having been advised by our lovely lady guide that the building is sadly in a dangerous condition and unsafe to explore, and, being a devote coward, with an occupational safety and health qualification, and having done due diligence with a formal risk assessment, well, I decided to let someone else provide the necessary internal photographic evidence! [001]

1895 - A Plan of the 'Proposed Cholera Hospital (12 Beds) at Flat Holm Island - The plan was prepared by J. W. Smith, dated 29th April 1895 on behalf of W. Harpur. M.Inst.C.E., Boro' Engineer. [043]

A report suggests that a small (6 bed) isolation hospital was in operation from c.1886, prior to which, the island had been equipped with tents for the same purpose! The port of Cardiff had recorded 697 deaths from cholera in three epidemics between 1849 and 1866.

The opening of the Ely Tidal Harbour in 1859 and Penarth Dock in 1865 further increased the number of vessels entering ports from nations where cholera epidemics were becoming more frequent and intense, thus the risk to South Wales was increasing exponentially with the growth of the iron and coal trade.

The Cardiff Borough Council decided in 1883 to establish an isolation hospital upon Flat Holm and procedures were developed to protect the trade, ports and populations around our coasts. The above plan was prepared by the Borough Engineer and Surveyor of Cardiff, Mr. W. Harpur during 1895 and the estimated cost, being an application to borrow £2,450. [equivalent to c.£280k in 2024]

The Ministry of Health condemned the building in 1935 and it fell into disuse.

Flat Holm Isolation Hospital - Inside a Ward in 2021 - Credit to Wales-on-line and Sam Whitfield - The news article suggested that : 'An abandoned cholera hospital on a tiny island off the coast of Cardiff is to be brought back to life as a visitor attraction.' - 17th June 2021 [1283] Walesonline.

The old hospital on the island pictured around 1900 - an image from the South Wales Echo [163] contained in the article above. - 17th June 2021 [1283] Walesonline.

I have a slight concern regarding the description of 'old hospital', since in 1900, the hospital designed by April 1895, was probably about to celebrate its 4th or 5th birthday! 'Old'??

ISOLATION OF DISEASE. CARDIFF HEALTH COMMITTEE AT THE FLAT HOLM - Among the many steps which the Cardiff Health and Port Sanitary Committee have taken to prevent the spread of such serious diseases as cholera, yellow fever, and plague is the establishment on the Flat Holm of a hospital, with its necessary equipment and a crematorium.

A considerable sum has been expended on the work, but by mutual arrangement this is divided between the authorities of Cardiff, Newport, Penarth. and Barry, all of which can send cases there. One of the adjuncts is a crematorium, and some years ago, in order to test the efficiency of the furnace, a sheep was slaughtered and reduced to powder. Subsequently a case of cholera was discovered in the Penarth Roads, and the patient, who died, is the only one whose ashes can be shown to the curious visitors.

The members of the Cardiff Health and Port Sanitary Committee paid a visit to the island on Tuesday and found that ample accommodation was provided for patients. In the absence of Dr. Walford (who is away on holidays) Dr. Broad conducted the members around the buildings, and in his usual terse manner explained what each was intended to supply in the case of any emergency.

General regret was expressed that the chairman of the committee (Alderman T. Windsor Jacobs) was unable to be present, and in his absence Mr. Robert Hughes, the vice-chairman, presided at a luncheon for which arrangements had been made at the request of Alderman Jacobs. Mr. Hughes, in proposing "The Port Sanitary Committee," claimed that every preparation had been made at the Flat Holm for preventing the spread of any serious epidemic, a statement in which all the members agreed.

In reply to the toast of his health (proposed by Alderman Cory), the Mayor paid a high tribute to Alderman T. Windsor Jacobs. In studying the economic side of a town he put the question of health in front of pounds, shillings, and pence.

The other toasts included "The Chairman of the Committee" (Alderman Jacobs) and "The Visitors" (Messrs. E. Handcock and Lile Wisbech). With his usual large heartedness Mr. Edmund Handcock placed the tug Falcon at the disposal of the committee to take them to and from the island, and in many other ways contributed to their enjoyment. - Evening Express [135] [361] 10th August 1904.