A rose commemorating a First World War hospital and its patients is being launched at RHS Chelsea this afternoon.

 

Rosa ‘Stamford’s Sanctuary’ takes its name from the Stamford Military Hospital [1] at Dunham Massey in Cheshire. 


It was at Dunham, between April 1917 and January 1919 that 282 British ‘Tommies’ found sanctuary from the horrors of the Front Line.


  

 

In 2014, Dunham was transformed back into the Stamford Hospital as part of National Trust commemorations marking the centenary of the First World War.

 

Stephen Adams, Dunham’s General Manager says: “We wanted Dunham’s role in the First World War to have a lasting legacy – and a rose seemed the perfect answer. We approached Peter Beales Roses [2], and the result is the stunning Rosa ‘Stamford’s Sanctuary’This will take pride of place in Dunham’s Rose Garden as a fitting tribute to the soldiers who stayed at Dunham and the nursing staff who were so dedicated in looking after them”.

 

BBC presenter Louise Minchin will accept the rose on behalf of Dunham Massey at RHS Chelsea on 18 May.

Louise, who has made a documentary about the Stamford Military Hospital said: “Coming from a military family, I think is very important that future generations remember all those who fought and died in the First World War. This beautiful rose will act as a living reminder to those who visit Dunham Massey in years to come of the sanctuary the house gave to 282 brave ‘Tommies’ and those who cared for them. I will be very proud to accept Rosa ‘Stamford’s Sanctuary’ in memory of them and the Stamford Military Hospital”


Visitors will be able to see the new rose on special Rose Garden evenings at Dunham Massey on Wednesdays in June.

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