From Stately Home to Battlefield Ward: The Story of Croxteth Auxiliary Hospital
Posted on August 7, 2025
The hospital officially opened its doors on 9 June 1916, just nine days after Lady Helena Sefton received the devastating news of her youngest son’s death at the Battle of Jutland. Her diary entry from that day reads: “Our first batch of soldier patients came in to the hospital – 12 from Alder Hey.”
Originally intended to care for soldiers of all ranks, the hospital’s role shifted in July 1916, when military authorities requested it be devoted exclusively to officers. This change coincided with the beginning of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, a campaign launched by General Haig to relieve pressure on French forces at Verdun. The first day alone saw 60,000 casualties, including 20,000 deaths—a grim testament to the scale of suffering that would define the war.
Lady Helena was not merely a figurehead; she was deeply involved in the hospital’s day-to-day operations. She helped settle patients, arranged hospital supplies, brought flowers to local hospitals, and even took patients on outings and to afternoon tea. Her commitment extended beyond Croxteth Hall, she volunteered at Voluntary Aid Detachment Headquarters and at a Belgian hospital in London.
Her diary entries provide vivid snapshots of the hospital’s activity. On 8 April 1917, she wrote: “Convoy of 20 patients making us 48.” And later that month, on 25 April: “Convoy of 12 in at midnight from France.”
Though exact numbers are unknown, it’s estimated that over a thousand patients were treated at Croxteth Auxiliary Hospital during its operation. However, not all patients recovered. On 16 May 1917, Lady Helena recorded the death of Lt. Harrison, an Australian officer: “Lt. Harrison an Australian Died. The first hospital patient we have lost.” His funeral was held at West Derby Cemetery, attended by the Earl of Sefton, and included a gun carriage, military escort, and band—an honourable farewell for a fallen soldier.
Pictured above – Lt. Harrison, an Australian officer.
Tragically, Lady Helena also endured personal loss during this time. She nursed her 14-year-old daughter Evelyn for six months before Evelyn succumbed to tuberculosis on 26 June 1917.
Croxteth Hall was one of many large country houses repurposed as hospitals during the war. The sheer number of casualties, especially following the industrialisation of warfare with rapid-fire weapons, artillery, and chemical agents, overwhelmed existing medical facilities. With nearly 1 million British and Empire deaths and over 2 million casualties, the government turned to stately homes to fill the gap.
In 1916, Lord and Lady Sefton offered to finance the establishment and running of a hospital at Croxteth Hall. The local Alder Hey Hospital was an orthopaedic facility, and Lady Helena invited Dr. Jones, an orthopaedic surgeon, to assess the hall’s suitability. Her diary entry from 5 March 1916 reads: “Dr. Jones for luncheon to inspect the house with a view for wounded soldiers.”
While the exact layout of the hospital within the Hall is unknown, it was described as having principal wards opening onto a broad terrace, allowing patients to benefit from open-air treatment—a therapeutic approach widely used at the time. Croxteth Auxiliary Hospital continued to receive patients until it was finally closed in July 1919, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in Liverpool’s wartime history.
Pictured above – Nursing staff and patients on the terrace of the Queen Ann wing of the Hall.
The image shows an example of the hospital paybook, which offers a rare and poignant glimpse into the operations of Croxteth Auxiliary Hospital, a facility born out of necessity and compassion during one of the darkest chapters in modern history—World War I.
Pictured above – This beautifully ornate certificate was presented to Helena, Countess of Sefton by the Gordon Smith Institute for Seamen, honouring her tireless dedication to the welfare of seamen during the First World War. Signed by officers and committee members, it reflects the deep gratitude felt across Merseyside for her wartime efforts.
Thanks to Keith, one of our Volunteers at Croxteth Hall, for sharing his valuable insights and historical knowledge.