A property, just outside of Stafford town centre, has a special connection to Buckingham Palace.  

The old Stafford General Infirmary building, on Foregate Street, opened in 1772.  

Funded by public donations, the infirmary provided medical support and care to the local community with doctors giving their services for free. 

It is documented that the hospital even had its own cow to provide milk for patients.  

There was also an on-site orchard.  

A photo taken after the hospital was refurbished (image via Stafford Town website)

By the 1890s, it was decided that the property needed to be given a new lease of life and architect Aston Webb was chosen to remodel the building. 

Aston Webb is famous for using his creative talents to redevelop the outside of Buckingham Palace and for designing the exterior of the Victoria and Albert Museum.  

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He was also commissioned by King Edward VII to design the Admiralty Arch near Trafalgar Square.  

In the 1920s, the hospital received yet more embellishments such as operating theatres and became the site of the David Hollin Nurses' Home. 

Shoe manufacturer David Hollin left money in his will to set up a nurses' home at the hospital. Photo shows David and his wife Emma. (image via Hollins Business Centre)

Much of the original building has been demolished with the remaining centre block and side wings now used as offices.