An introduction to the history of the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM) and the Historic Collections displayed in Monckton House.

An introduction to the history of INM and the Historic Collections displayed in Monckton House, a Grade II listed building. After a brief presentation, you will see displays of heritage materials related to the history and practice of naval medicine.

The history of INM, the RN Medical Service and the Historic Collections reflect the role of naval medical staff and their work to ensure that naval personnel were fit for service. The library, museum and archive collections held in Monckton House are comprised of books and museum objects from the RN Hospitals at Gosport (Haslar) and Plymouth (Stonehouse). They also include some material from Naval Hospitals abroad such as those at Gibraltar and Malta and items donated by medical staff and their families.

Covering the history of medicine over some 500 years, you will find items related to the lives of naval surgeons and changing attitudes towards medical developments, many of which we now take for granted. The materials held include books on anatomy, pathology, infection, and disease, particularly those impacting life at sea during the 18th and 19th century. There are books and items related to surgery, dentistry, and naval hygiene as well as the treatment of scurvy and fevers. The collections also reflect the Navy’s contribution to science and exploration and naval surgeons’ interest in natural history.

On display are a collection of medical instruments, medical ceramics, paintings, and photographs, as well as medals and decorations awarded to naval medical personnel. Visitors will also be able to view displays and artefacts related to the history of the Queen Alexandra Royal Naval Nursing Service (QUARNNS).

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.

Tours lasts approx 90 minutes

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring tickets and photo ID (passport/driving licence/bus pass etc) with you

No babies or small children

This a military site so security requirements will be in force

Bags may be searched

No photography allowed on site

Booking OPENS on 22 Aug at 0930

Advance Registration required: Limited spaces on each tour. You may book up to 2 tickets per booking.

To complete your registration you will need your name, contact telephone number, email, post code and car registration if appropriate, please note that there is parking only for blue badge holders.

Please complete registration within 10:00 minutes. After this, the reservation we're holding will be released to others.

Alternative dates: If your first choice of date or time is fully booked, you can either add your name to the waitlist or return to the booking page of our website and choose again.

For full accessibility options and facilities available, please go to The Institute of Naval Medicine - Historic Collections - Gosport Heritage Open Days

Description supplied by the event organiser.