Calne Tale Trails
5. Mrs Guthrie's Children's Hospital

Coming out of Sainsbury’s forecourt, go back across the road and turn left, past the Pocket Park until you reach the end of the path facing number 61

This was a children’s hospital from 1856 to 1865. It was founded by Caroline Guthrie, the wife of the vicar of Calne, Rev. John Guthrie. The couple shared an interest in philanthropy and were much loved in the town. The house was the property of Lord Lansdowne, who was happy for it to be adapted as a hospital providing 12 beds for sick children from the Parish of Calne. It was closed when Mrs Guthrie went to live in Bristol after her husband’s death.