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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Peeblesshire => Topic started by: guiness1 on Friday 11 January 08 21:42 GMT (UK)
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Hello
Can anyone help with a place called Manor Valley Sanatorium in or near Peebles in the 1920s any information on this place would be great. Thankyou.
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Caverhill Sanatorium is seen at Kirkton Manor, a couple of miles SW of Peebles on this map.
http://www.nls.uk/maps/early/os_scotland_popular_list.html
Sheet 80 - Peebles & Galashiels
(NW corner of that map)
ADP
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Many many thanks for that information what a great help it has been Regards jen.
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hi
It would have been Caverhill Farm, Kirkton Manor, near Peebles. A friend's sister lives there now. It is on the Wemyss & March Estate.
Avril
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Hello Avril
Many thanks for that information concerning Caverhill Sanitorium, dou you by any chance know when it was last used as a Sanitorium? Thankyou again Jen.
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Jen
I shall try to find out for you
Avril
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Hi Avril
Thanks that would be great
jen.
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I think it closed in 1935. I have a book somewhere with more info so will try and locate it!
Avril
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Thankyou that would be great, I looked up Kirkton manor what beautiful scenery
Thanks once again
Jen.
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Found the book!
'The Source of Manor' by Lyne & Manor Youth Group ISBN 0 9537206 08, printed by Kelso Graphics 1999
THE 'SANNY PEAT'
In 1902 Caverhill was turned into a sanitorium for the 'open-air treatment of lung TB carried out in specially constructed Pavillions & Chalets'......
'Owing to its situation on a porous, gravelly soil with broken rock the air is remarkably dry and exhilarating. The prevailing winds in passing over a lofty range of heath, heather and pine-clad mountains, are robbed of most of their moisture. The rainfall is moderate, but sufficient to ensure the all-important pure and almost dust free atmosphere necessary for the prevention of secondary infections.'
At first it was a general nursing home but later it was just for TB patients and they could take 36. It was run by Dr Harley.
TERMS
21/2-4 guineas/week, in advance exclusive of personal laundry,medicine and special nursing when required. One weeks notice of departure must be given. Patients of both sexes admitted.
In 1919 a row of wards was built facing South. This is now the house 'Four Winds'. Ten acres of land were bought from the Earl of Wemyss as this was the regulatory amount of space needed round the patients.
Quite a lot of patients got better and went home but some died at Caverhill. Some of these patients went home to be buried but some were laid to rest inManor Churchyard, many in unmarked graves which are in the corner near the manse. The Sanitorium closed in 1935.
During the 2nd WW Caverhill was an ammunition dump.
In 1949 it was bought privately for £2000. In 1950 the xcameron family moved in and a coach business was run from there until 1949.
The house is now owned by Wemyss & March Estates.
Hope you find this useful!
Avril
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Hi Avril
Many thanks for all that information greatly appreciated,my ancestor was one of the patients who went home to be laid to rest, we think he may have been gassed during WW1 we also know he had TB we just found it rather sad he was only 28 when he died, but he did manage to have 3 children which I suppose was some consolation to his widow. Once again thankyou.
Regards Jen.
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Great stuff, especially from Avril. Thanks!
If anyone else is interested in this, there is a report from the St Ronan's Standard of April 16 1913 by Dr Gunn of Peebles. I have only taken notes, but they might be of interest as they cover the type of treatment. Note that 1913 was a particularly hard winter round Peebles.
Consumptive patients, 27 at present, living simple life among the mountains of Manor in shelters 810’ above sea at lowest, 7’ snow, hurricanes. Patients cut their own paths, Lady Superintendant and Nursing Sister and probationer. All patients did well. Treatment was simple: emulsion of cod liver oil to support combustion within, Guycose (?) to kill germs and build up body waste, Muthu’s Inhalant as a respiratory germicide.
Graduated exercise on hill slopes, share of camp and lavatory work, served to inflate lungs etc. weighed once a week, medical examination 3 times a week, 4 meals a day including ¾ lb lean meat. Steady and rapid increase in weight, some a stone in a month.
Admin block which is a farmhouse and buildings faces South, standing high where 3 watersheds meet. Nothing more trying than last winter but results achieved confirm the benefits of the simple life sanatorium.