Foundation: Free Cancer Hospital at Canon Row The Royal Marsden was the first hospital in the world dedicated to the study and treatment of
cancer. It was founded as the Free Cancer Hospital in 1851 by
William Marsden at 1,
Canon Row,
Westminster. Marsden, deeply affected by the death of his wife Elizabeth Ann from cancer, resolved to classify tumours, research the causes and find new treatments. The hospital at first consisted solely of a dispensary and the drugs prescribed were
palliative and aimed at treating symptoms, but it allowed William Marsden the opportunity to study and research the disease. The hospital quickly outgrew its original premises as it became apparent that some patients required inpatient care. It moved locations several times during the 1850s until its benefactors decided to find a permanent solution. The hospital was granted its
royal charter of incorporation by
King George V in 1910 and became known as The Cancer Hospital (Free).
NHS era and Sutton site When the
National Health Service was formed in 1948, the Royal Marsden became a post-graduate teaching hospital. In 1954, it was renamed the Royal Marsden Hospital in recognition of the vision and commitment of its founder.
2008 Brompton fire On 2 January 2008, just before 1:30 pm, a fire broke out in a plant room on the top floor of the hospital. When the fire was at its peak, 125 firefighters and 16 ambulances were in attendance. The smoke was visible for miles around. All 200 staff, outpatients, and 79 inpatients were evacuated to a local church and the neighbouring
Royal Brompton Hospital, some carried on mattresses by emergency responders and doctors. Five operating theatres and at least two wards were put out of action. Two patients were undergoing surgery in the operating theatres in the basement and had to be evacuated. Two firefighters and one member of staff suffered slight smoke inhalation but there were no other casualties or injuries. They were taken to another hospital for treatment. The entire roof of the Chelsea Wing of the hospital was burned through, and the top floor was also affected, but a hospital official said that damage was less than thought and no research documentation had been lost. In 1908,
Thomas Horder, later raised to the
peerage, was appointed as the hospital's first physician. Professor of radiotherapy at the University of London David Waldron Smithers chaired the committee that constructed and established the Surrey branch of the Marsden, which was opened in 1963. He led radiation oncology at the hospital. The Royal Marsden's main lecture theatre is named in honour of consultant radiotherapist Julian Bloom. ==NHS Foundation Trust==