Dr Benjamin Golding (1793 - 1863)
A medical pioneer who founded Charing Cross Hospital
Physician and teacher Benjamin Golding was dedicated to providing free medical treatment to the poor. He also had the brilliant and revolutionary idea of integrating medical schools with hospitals, to ensure people would be treated effectively now and in future. He achieved both aims when he founded the West London Infirmary, which later became Charing Cross Hospital. It was the first hospital of its kind in London.
Charing Cross Hospital and Medical School in 1881. (Credit: Wellcome Collection)
Benjamin studied medicine in Edinburgh, and trained to be a doctor at St Thomas Hospital in London. He then opened a practice at his home in Westminster, where he provided free treatment for the poor and needy. In 1823 he raised money to establish the West London Infirmary, which opened with just 12 beds. Ten years later, the hospital was relocated and became Charing Cross Hospital and Medical School.
Charing Cross Hospital being developed in 1972. (Credit: Wellcome Collection)
(Credit: Greywolf)
Benjamin studied medicine in Edinburgh, and trained to be a doctor at St Thomas Hospital in London. He then opened a practice at his home in Westminster, where he provided free treatment for the poor and needy. In 1823 he raised money to establish the West London Infirmary, which opened with just 12 beds. Ten years later, the hospital was relocated and became Charing Cross Hospital and Medical School.
Benjamin remained as director of the hospital and medical school until he retired. He also found time to write the histories of St Thomas and Charing Cross hospitals.
(Credit: Greywolf)
(Credit: ClipArtQueen.com)
