Impressed by a tuberculosis sanatorium he visited while touring Germany, in 1901 King Edward VII decided to found one similar in England. The site chosen was on a bright, south facing hillside near Midhurst with open views to the South Downs. The King’s Sanatorium” was founded in 1901 to care for those suffering from tuberculosis and was officially opened on the 13th June 1906 by His Majesty King Edward VII, who gave assent for the institution to be called the King Edward VII Sanatorium. At the time when the sanatorium was designed it was heralded as a significant advancement in the treatment of the sick, where the importance of rest, relaxation, fresh air and light were incorporated into the buildings and surroundings as these were seen as equally important to the treatment of patients as the medical intervention. After the eradication of tuberculosis the sanatorium was transformed into a modern hospital admitting NHS and private patients with all types of illnesses. It also specialised in cancer care, cardiology and facial reconstruction. The hospital was designed by Charles Holden and Percy Adams. Charles Holden went on to become a leading English architect who is best known for his designs in the 1920s and 1930s of London Underground stations. Until the 1950’s the building faired well, with the necessary extensions being designed in a sensitive manner. However, from the 1960’s onwards such sensitivity was put aside, with the practicalities of a hospital being the overriding influence. These unfortunate additions paid little regard to the historic architecture and landscape. Despite this much of the historic fabric and quality remains, and the upgrading to Grade II* listing in 2004 for the main building and chapel underline the importance of this collection of historic buildings. The hospital eventually closed in 2006. Thereafter, it lay abandoned and in decline. The outside of the hospital is beautiful , i had visited it on a couple of occassions and both times was rumbled by secca quite quick ... i thought maybe 3rd time lucky but no lol ... was only in for about 20 mins when secca was hot on our tail , managed to take very quick photos and eventually he caught up
with us , as it turned out he was really nice and happy to chat for a while before removing us from the grounds .
with us , as it turned out he was really nice and happy to chat for a while before removing us from the grounds .
