Imagine uncovering a hidden piece of history right in your backyard! That's the reality for Dawn and Kelvin Nicholson, a Portland couple who've spent nearly half a century on the island, only to discover a sprawling underground hospital complex beneath their property.
This isn't just any old building; it's the Portland Underground Hospital, a relic with a fascinating past. Originally constructed in 1940 as the Portland Royal Naval Hospital, it served a vital role during its time. The hospital later transitioned to the NHS around 1957, becoming Portland Hospital, and surprisingly, it remains under NHS ownership even today, despite being closed to the public.
Mrs. Nicholson passionately states, "A lot of people don’t know it’s there; I would like to see it open to the public, hopefully it can be made safe again a bit like the High Angle Battery." She draws a parallel to the High Angle Battery, a late Victorian gun battery that underwent extensive renovations and reopened, becoming a popular attraction.
"We have lived here for 48 years and must have only found out about the underground hospital 10 years ago. It’s sad that it’s underground because nobody knows that it’s there," Mrs. Nicholson explains. "It would just be an amazing asset to Portland; it’s a fascinating part of history – they could even make it look authentic."
Mr. Nicholson, a volunteer at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth, adds insight, "The Nothe was in a similar state before it opened." The couple envisions the hospital as a potential tourism goldmine. They believe it could attract cruise ship passengers, who currently tend to bypass the island, heading straight to Weymouth. This could provide a significant economic boost to Portland.
The Nicholsons are actively working to make their vision a reality. They've engaged with Historic England and are in the process of seeking to get the premises listed. Historic England acknowledges the site and has received several inquiries. They state that they haven't received a listing application that meets their criteria, but encourage anyone interested to apply through their online process, providing information on the site's significance or demonstrating a threat to its existence. They hope a sustainable new use can be found to secure its future.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite the Nicholsons' efforts and the historical significance of the site, Dorset Healthcare University Trust has no current plans to open the hospital to the public. A spokesperson stated that the tunnel is "no longer fit for visitors."
What do you think? Should this hidden piece of history be brought to light? Do you agree with the Nicholsons' vision, or do you understand the Trust's decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
