Endell Street: The Women Who Ran Britain’s Trailblazing Military Hospital - Wendy Moore (Book)

Title: Endell Street: The Women Who Ran Britain’s Trailblazing Military Hospital

Author: Wendy Moore

Date Published: April 2, 2020

Publisher: Atlantic Books

Category: History / Biography

In Endell Street, acclaimed author Wendy Moore brings to light the remarkable and often overlooked story of the Endell Street Military Hospital, a groundbreaking institution entirely staffed by women during World War I. Established in 1915 by pioneering suffragette doctors Flora Murray and Louisa Garrett Anderson, the hospital was situated in a repurposed workhouse in London’s Covent Garden. Over its four years of operation, this 573-bed facility treated over 26,000 wounded soldiers, offering exceptional care and pioneering medical techniques in the face of adversity.

Moore delves into the lives of Murray and Anderson, exploring their unwavering commitment to both the suffragette movement and the medical profession. Prior to founding Endell Street, the duo had already demonstrated their capabilities by establishing two successful military hospitals in France. Their expertise and determination challenged the prevailing gender norms of the time, leading to their appointment by the War Ministry to create and run Endell Street. The hospital not only provided top-tier medical care but also became a symbol of women’s capabilities and resilience during a period when their roles were largely confined to the domestic sphere.

Through meticulous research and engaging narrative, Endell Street offers readers a vivid portrayal of wartime London and the extraordinary women who defied societal expectations to make an indelible impact on medical history. This compelling account serves as both an inspiring tribute and a testament to the enduring spirit of those who paved the way for future generations in medicine and beyond.