Ancestor Gallery

British patients with Quex cannon collection

Four Imperial VAD hospital patients standing by some of the cannon collection in Quex Park. At the time of the First World War these were grouped in front of the Round Tower on the Quex Park estate. The men are wearing the hospital uniform of Imperial patients - called 'hospital blues' it comprised blue serge jacket and trousers, white shirt and red tie. The men are also wearing scarves or mufflers. The cannon collection was created by John Powell Powell (1769-1849), an ancestor of Major Percy Powell-Cotton. The Quex Park VAD Hospital opened on 15 October 1914 and closed on 31 January 1919. The hospital was run by Kent/178, the Birchington Detachment. The Commandant was Hannah Powell-Cotton (1881-1964), wife of Major Percy HG Powell-Cotton (1866-1940) of Quex Park, founder of the Powell-Cotton Museum. Date: circa 1916

© The Powell-Cotton Museum Collection / Mary Evans Picture Library

Charles Robert Spencer, 6th Earl Spencer

Charles Robert Spencer, sixth Earl Spencer (1857 - 1922), before that Viscount Althorp until he succeeded to the title in 1910, British courtier and Liberal politician. He was Lord Chamberlain from 1905 to 1912 in the Liberal administrations headed by Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman and H. H. Asquith. He was great-grandfather of Diana, Princess of Wales and consequently, great-great grandfather of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry. Date: 1913

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Lord Spencer

Albert Edward John Spencer, 7th Earl Spencer (23 May 1892 9 June 1975), known formally as The Hon Albert Spencer until 1910 and from then until 1922 as Viscount Althorp, and less formally as "Jack" Spencer, was a British peer. He was the paternal grandfather of Diana, Princess of Wales. Pictured with his daughter, Lady Anne Spencer at the Pytchley Steeplechase held at Holdenby near Northampton. Date: 1926

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans