In the Chapel at Lotherton Hall there are many memorials to
members of the Gascoigne family. However this Rood
Screen goes to illustrate how much Frederick and
Gwendolen Gascoigne served not only their family and local
community but through their good efforts they gave
everything to humanity in general, often complete strangers.
In WWI Col. Gascoigne, although too old to actually fight,
took two of his cars over to France to help transport injured
men to the field hospitals. He also helped in the with field
dressings.
The VAD hospital at Lotherton was opened on 21 November
1914 and by the time it closed in March 1919, 655
convalescing servicemen had passed through its doors.
The whole project was funded by the Gascoignes who did
not accept a Government grant. The costs covered not only
the converting of the rooms into wards, but maintaining the
hospital and employing the staff. There were two qualified
nurses, two VAD nurses, a masseur and a ward maid. Their
own house staff did the general domestic duties in the wards.
Gwendolen was an excellent nurse and acted as Commandant of the hospital. Her distinguished service was recognised when she was conferred with the CBE in 1918
and she became the Lady of Grace of the Order of St John of
Jerusalem in 1919. She was assisted by Miss Thompson the
Matron, and Miss Routledge acting as Quartermaster.
Four local doctors provided voluntary visits and care and
Cynthia Gascoigne, who was also a nurse, organised social
events for the recuperating servicemen including concerts,
whist drives and those who were considered well enough
were able to join Col. Gascoigne when he was in residence
on one of his shooting events on the estate.
Mrs Gascoigne in her uniform with her daughter, Cynthia, also in her nurses’ uniform, on her left.
All of the best rooms had been given over to the hospital and
they were on the sunniest side of the Hall. The men’s
spiritual welfare was also catered for with the Vicar of
Aberford, the Rev. B.W.S. Walwyn taking afternoon service
every other Sunday.
