A time capsule has been buried to mark the 150th anniversary of Royal Victoria Country Park to reflect on the park’s rich history.
Queen Victoria, Maureen Queen from Netley, with Cllr Peter Edgar planting the tree
Hampshire county councillor Peter Edgar was helped by a woman dressed as Queen Victoria to bury the capsule, which included 2013 minted 50p, 20p and 10p coins, a 2013 first class stamp, Royal Victoria Country Park summer programme for 2013, a Hampshire County Council tie, and a poster of the celebratory event.
A Mulberry tree was planted and a special plaque was unveiled next to the chapel to mark the occasion of the 150th birthday of the site’s former military treatment centre, Royal Victoria Hospital.
Dressed as Queen Victoria, Maureen Queen from Netley joined the councillor for the planting. The Royal Victoria Country Park Tower Tours volunteer’s grandfather worked at the hospital during World War I and her father worked at the site during World War I.
The tree was chosen particularly because of its medical history where it has been widely used in traditional remedies to treat ailments including fevers, headaches and asthma.
Cllr Edgar, Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Education, said: “Royal Victoria Country Park is such a valuable historical site. It is wonderful that we can mark this significant historic 150 year milestone with this tree and plaque which everyone, especially children, can learn from.
“This will help all of us to understand the important part the former hospital played in the service of our country. These symbols will help keep in the forefront of everyone’s minds the sacrifices that were made by the wounded and sick soldiers who came to this pioneering military hospital on this beautiful waterfront site.
“It will also remind us of the care they received and the work of the doctors and nurses who cared for them.”
Staff at the British Army’s first purpose-built hospital devoted more than 100 years of service to caring for sick and wounded soldiers from across the world.
Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone herself on the May 19, 1856 and visited the site more than 20 times in her lifetime. The Army demolished most of the building in 1966 except for the former chapel to the hospital.
The site was acquired by Hampshire County Council and in 1980 Royal Victoria Country Park was opened to the public.