Maternity Hospital, Liverpool

The Liverpool Maternity Hospital, a historic landmark in the city’s medical history, was established in November 1841 as the Lying-in Hospital and Dispensary for the Diseases of Women and Children. Originally located in Horatio Street, Scotland Road, it underwent several relocations and name changes over the years, reflecting its growth and evolving role in women’s healthcare. It moved to Pembroke Place in 1845, Myrtle Street in 1862, and Brownlow Street in 1885, where it became the Ladies Charity and Lying-In Hospital.

In 1924, the foundation stone for a new facility was laid on Oxford Street by Princess Mary, Viscountess Lascelles. The hospital officially opened in 1926, inaugurated by Christiana Hartley, a noted social and welfare activist. Renamed the Liverpool Maternity Hospital, it became a cornerstone of maternity care in the city.

The hospital joined the National Health Service in 1948, further solidifying its role in public healthcare. It gained fame as the birthplace of notable individuals, including John Lennon, born on October 9, 1940, during a German air raid. Lennon's mother named him John Winston Ono Lennon, combining family heritage with homage to Winston Churchill. A commemorative plaque now adorns the building, marking this significant event.

In November 1995, the Liverpool Maternity Hospital closed, with its services transferred to the Liverpool Women’s Hospital. The building has since been repurposed as student accommodation, preserving its external legacy while adapting to modern needs.