Description

Summary: scan of a black and white photo of Lord Arthur Cecil presenting the silver and ivory trowel and mallet to Lady Speyer on the occasion of the foundation stone being laid for Lymington Cottage Hospital in 9 April 1913

Identification note: For internal use only; no commercial use

Identification note: The Edward VII Memorial Hospital was opened by Lady Speyer (1872-1956), wife of a wealthy American banker of German extraction who had made his home in this country and became a naturalized British subject in 1892. He was made a baronet in 1906 in recognition of his many philanthropic services. He was a supporter of medical ventures and sat on the board of the King Edward’s Memorial Hospital Fund. In 1902 he married the professional violinist and poet, Leonora von Stosch. Probably she was invited to perform the opening ceremony because of her husband’s considerable financial support for the King Edward’s Hospital Fund. It also seems very likely there was a connection with Lord Arthur Cecil of The Mount (later Passford House and now the Passford House Hotel). He was one of the key sponsors of the Lymington hospital. The memorial stone commemorating this occasion is preserved outside the new Lymington Hospital at Ampress.