The Mineral Water Hospital first opened in 1742 in the centre of Bath (now located opposite Cafe Nero). Designed by John Wood the Elder, it provided care to the poor and utilised Bath’s natural thermal waters as a key treatment. Supporters of the hospital included Lady Elizabeth Hastings, Henry Hoare (Stourhead House), Joseph Jekyll, William Oliver, and Beau Nash amongst others.

By the early 20th century, it was known as the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases (RNHRD). This 18th century hospital building eventually closed in 2019 and awaits redevelopment. A new RNHRD was built in the RUH site at Combe Park where it remains today. It continues its invaluable work with rheumatology and treating those with rheumatic conditions. 

The video below showcases extracts from interviews with former staff and patients of the Royal Mineral Water Hospital or ‘The Min’. Through the centuries, it’s reputation grew to be at the forefront of research and treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Dive into the full interviews on our YouTube channel – each one as poignant as the last, to discover the real legacy of this wonderful hospital.