Morden Hall Military Hospital

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During the First World War Gilliat Edward Hatfeild, the last private owner of Morden Hall, offered the building for use as a military convalescent hospital. As an annexe of the London Hospital, the Hall was used to treat wounded servicemen from the Western Front.

Painstaking nursing, plus the clean air and peaceful surroundings of the Morden Hall estate helped to heal both the physical wounds and mental trauma caused by war. Troops were able to go on walks, enjoy punt rides, cards and games of croquet within the park - they were also allowed trips off-site, dressed in a distinctive pale blue convalescent uniform with a red tie. This helped to deter servicemen from going absent without leave and also prevented the public from accusing them of cowardice, or dodging the draft.

This animation has been produced for Merton Heritage Service by 5:25 Creative Agency in Colliers Wood. It was commissioned for "There's More to Morden," a local heritage project designed to engage people with over 100 years of history from the Morden and Merton Park area.