Dr Benjamin Golding (1793 - 1863)
A medical pioneer who founded Charing Cross Hospital.
West London Infirmary
Physician and teacher Benjamin Golding was dedicated to providing free medical treatment to the poor. He also had the brilliant and revolutionary idea of integrating medical schools with hospitals, to ensure people would be treated effectively now and in future. He achieved both aims when he founded the West London Infirmary, which later became Charing Cross Hospital. It was the first hospital of its kind in London.
Benjamin studied medicine in Edinburgh, and trained to be a doctor at St Thomas Hospital in London. He then opened a practice at his home in Westminster, where he provided free treatment for the poor and needy. In 1823 he raised money to establish the West London Infirmary, which opened with just 12 beds. Ten years later, the hospital was relocated and became Charing Cross Hospital and Medical School.
Family Mausoleum
Benjamin was buried in the family plot in 1863, joining four of his nine children who were already there. The following year the family bought a different plot and built a mausoleum. Benjamin and his sons were then transferred to it. The mausoleum is listed by Historic England for its design and historical significance.
Benjamin remained as director of the hospital and medical school until he retired. He also found time to write the histories of St Thomas and Charing Cross hospitals.
More information:
Historic England Listing
Wikipedia Golding
Wikipedia Charing Cross Hospital