Remembering the convalescents at Cottesbrooke Hall during WW1.

A very special event took place at Cottesbrooke Village Hall on Tuesday, 27th October 2026. I specifically chose this date for the launch of my new illustrated talk called 'Convalescing at Cottesbrooke Hall during the First World War' because it marks the earliest reference to Cottesbrooke Hall Auxiliary Hospital opening its doors on that date in 1914. I am a local historian and speaker and I've spent three years researching this somewhat forgotten chapter in the hall's history. During my research I found out so many fascinating things and it is my aim to bring this fascinating story to wider audiences.

On the night itself, the village hall was decorated with Union Jacks, bunting and posters from the time. Popular songs from WW1 greeted 40+ invited guests from various historical, military or other organisations. The audience were also invited to bring along photographs of their Great War relatives in order to share stories with those present during the interval. It was a unique evening, comprising of lots of personal touches and displays that brought to the fore this neglected part of Northamptonshire Great War history. It was especially lovely to have the present owner of Cottesbrooke Hall attend. It was a poignant evening that remembered the work of the volunteers, nurses, doctors and surgeons who did such incredible work to enable wounded and ill men to recover their health in places such as Cottesbrooke Hall during the years that it was operational. They will never be forgotten.