Edith Vizard Memorial Home

button-theme-womenbutton_lang_frenchEdith Vizard Memorial Home, Russell Road

rhyl_edith_vizardWho was Edith Vizard? Look behind this building to see the impressive Royal Alexandra Hospital. Edith Maria Vizard was the Honorary Superintendent of this hospital for 35 years, until her death in April 1908.

The hospital was originally a hospital for sick children, established in 1872 by Archdeacon Ffoulkes, and occupied a different site on the promenade. Miss Vizard and a Miss Graham took charge of the hospital in the early 1870’s. Miss Vizard was born in St Pancras, London, in 1835 and was Matron, or “Lady Superintendent” as the job was called then, at the renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children in London for two years before leaving to take up her post here in Rhyl.

Miss Vizard was 73 when she died (74 according to her gravestone). Her obituary describes her devotion to the sick, her business-like capacity, her fortitude and perseverance. Neither she nor Miss Graham took a penny of renumeration for their services. They worked solely out of philanthropic motives.

After her death, there was a call for a permanent memorial to Miss Vizard. The hospital committee decided that it would be particularly appropriate to connect such a memorial with the provision of a separate house for the large staff of nurses. It was therefore decided to purchase this building, “Hendre”, which had hitherto been rented by the committee for the temporary accommodation of convalescent patients. The committee secured the house for £1,500, which was paid for by subscription.

With thanks to Ruth Pritchard, of Rhyl History Club

Postcode: LL18 3AS    View Location Map