In the Grounds of the London Hospital

On a warm summer’s day, Edna May is singing to convalescing patients of all ages in the grounds of the London Hospital at Whitechapel.  Edna May was an American actress and singer and a popular postcard beauty.  She came to London with a play in 1898 and became a star in an instant!  Her speciality was Edwardian Comedies and she is possibly singing one of her famous songs to the convalescing patients.

“The London” was a voluntary hospital.  It relied on fund raising by the local community and donations from wealthy individuals and local businesses to carry out its important work.  Edna May was part of the entertainment community that gave their time entertaining the patients.  When the National Health Service was set up in 1948, the link between “The London” and the local community changed dramatically.