St Mary's Hospital

St Mary’s Hospital stands in Paddington, a district of Westminster in central London. Founded in 1845, it is a major teaching hospital with a long history of medical education and research. The original building in Norfolk Place was designed by Thomas Hopper in the classical style and opened in 1851. Over the years, the hospital expanded with new wings, including the Clarence Memorial Wing in 1904 and the private Lindo Wing in 1937. It is now part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which also runs several other London hospitals. The site has seen many medical breakthroughs and remains a key centre for healthcare and training. The hospital is worth visiting for its role in medical history. It was here that Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin in 1928, and his restored laboratory is now a museum. In 1874, C.R. Alder Wright first synthesised diamorphine at the hospital. The Lindo Wing has been the birthplace of many royal and celebrity children, including Prince William and Prince Harry. The Lewis Carroll Ward for children features tile panels shaped like jigsaw pieces, depicting scenes from *Alice in Wonderland*. The hospital’s history also includes contributions from pioneering surgeons and physicians, such as Felix Eastcott and Almroth Wright. Visitors to St Mary’s Hospital will find a mix of historic and modern buildings. The original classical block and the Clarence Memorial Wing show the hospital’s architectural heritage. The Fleming Museum preserves the laboratory where penicillin was discovered. The Lindo Wing remains a private maternity unit, while the Lewis Carroll Ward offers a colourful and child-friendly environment. The hospital’s grounds and nearby Praed Street provide a glimpse of its place within Paddington’s urban setting. The site reflects both its medical importance and its role in the community.