The original caption may contain language which is historic and which may no longer be considered appropriate. It has been retained in the record in the interest of historical accuracy.
The caption on the reverse of the photograph reads: ““Where sirens do not sound” Picture shows two of the mothers busy washing clothes in the well equipped wash-house.”
The Emergency Rest Centre at Stone Hall was opened in October 1940. “Nervous” mothers and young children were evacuated to Stone Hall, where they could “recuperate” and would stay for two to three weeks, before being settled in billets or cottages in the district. 15 mothers and over 20 children were being accommodated in the centre in December 1940, which had already housed 120 mothers. Husbands were allowed to visit at weekends. Lady Denman, owner of Stone Hall, was Honorary Director of the Women’s Land Army during the Second World War, and the Balcombe Estate became the organisation’s headquarters. Whilst the house was used as an Emergency Rest Centre, Lady Denman lived in a single room. See also MED01/01/1128 and MED01/01/1130-1138. High-resolution copies of this image are available for free for non-commercial use. Please Enquire to place an order.
This is part of the Series: MED01/01 Series of prints; within the Collection: MED01 Topical Press Agency Medical Collection
Source: Historic England Archive
Photographer: Topical Press Agency Limited
Photographer: Harrison, Norman Kingsley
Country House, Convalescent Home, Wash House, Second World War, Women's History
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