Imperial War Museum

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TQ3179 636-1/4/462

SOUTHWARK LAMBETH ROAD (South side) Imperial War Museum

27/09/72

GV II

Formerly a site of the Bethlem Royal Hospital, now museum. 1812-1814, extended 1835, 1844-1846. By James Lewis, surveyor to the Bridewell and Bethlehem Hospitals. Enlargements and alterations by Sydney Smirke and P Hardwick, 1835 and 1844-1846; converted into museum c1936. Damaged and restored after World War II.

MATERIALS: brick with stone details and hipped slate roof.

PLAN: central block of three storeys and basement, 17 bays surmounted by octagonal dome on drum with copper roof which contained chapel and replaced original cupola in 1840s; dome rebuilt after fire in 1970s. Side wings of 1844-1846 now demolished.

EXTERIOR: front has projecting section of 11 bays surmounted by stone balustraded parapet; stone hexastyle Ionic portico to central five bays (also of 1840s) with pediment containing coat of arms and inscription on frieze: "Hen. VIII. Rege. Fvndatvm. Civivm. Largitas. Perfecit". Wider central entrance with panelled pilasters supporting entablature with cornice, smaller flanking entrances. Ground-floor windows with moulded stone architraves and aprons. First-floor windows similar but with entablature and cornice; first-floor sill band. Second-floor small windows with moulded stone architraves. Long, plain wings to returns with round-headed windows.

INTERIOR: much altered.

HISTORICAL NOTE: hospital founded in 1246 and associated with the treatment of mental conditions and disorders from 1400. Moved from Moorfields to Southwark in 1812 and to Beckenham in 1926. The surrounding grounds are now the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park.

Listing NGR: TQ3141179148