Royal Brompton Hospital and Harefield Hospital boast a colourful history that spans several hundred years. Both Royal Brompton and Harefield evolved from an era when poverty was rife, when doctors visited those who could afford it in their own homes and only the very destitute or desperate went to hospital, and when the survival of medical institutions depended on the kindness of benefactors.
Today, the two hospitals are world-renowned leaders in the research and treatment of heart and lung disease and are recognised teaching institutions.
History of Royal Brompton Hospital
Explore Royal Brompton Hospital's rich history as we chart its journey through the years and uncover the medical pioneers and groundbreaking innovations that have shaped the hospital into what it is today.
Our new displays at Royal Brompton Hospital invites patients, staff and visitors the opportunity to explore the hospital's history through a series of panels that can be found in the Sydney Street foyer.
History of Harefield Hospital
Read about the history of Harefield Hospital through a timeline which delves into the hospital's origins, groundbreaking innovation, and the people that have shaped the hospital over the centuries.
If you are visiting Harefield Hospital, you can explore more of its history by visiting our new displays in the Hungry Hare restaurant.
The archives
Historical records of Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals are preserved by Barts Health NHS Trust Archives, which hold one of the largest collections of hospital records in the UK, dating back to 1137. From patient case books to photographs and artefacts, the archival material of our hospitals is a valuable resource for research and insight into early medical practice and standards, how cardiac and respiratory conditions were managed and how treatment has evolved, and for social and hospital history.
The archives are located at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, and can be visited for research, by appointment. An online catalogue is also available to browse for listings of the collections held by Barts Health Archives. The collection references for our hospitals can be found here (Royal Brompton Hospital) and here (Harefield Hospital).
To find out more about Barts Health Archives, please visit the website.