Discover the history

The Royal Victoria Military Hospital was commissioned by Queen Victoria, who laid the foundation stone at the site in Netley in May 1856. The hospital opened in 1863 and parts of the site remained open until 1978. During this 115-year history, thousands of sick and wounded servicemen from conflicts across the British Empire and both World Wars came to Netley for treatment and recuperation.

All that remains today of the hospital structure is the Chapel building, which houses a museum with many interesting artefacts and exhibitions telling the story of this fascinating site.